A devastating injury has struck the Canterbury Bulldogs, and it's a blow that will keep a key player on the sidelines for months.
Phil Gould, the director of football for the Bulldogs, has confirmed the worst: Leo Thompson, the club's new forward pack leader, will be out for over two months with a Grade 3 calf tear.
"Not good news for Leo Thompson. MRK confirms a significant calf tear. We're looking at a 10-week recovery period," Gould wrote.
But here's where it gets controversial... Gould's next words were a stark reminder of the harsh reality of rugby league: "It is what it is. We move on."
Thompson's injury couldn't have come at a worse time. He was set to make his debut in the All-Star game, a showcase of the sport's best talent, but now he'll be watching from the sidelines until at least April.
The Bulldogs' schedule doesn't offer much relief either. After their Las Vegas game, they have a week to travel back and then a bye week, but Thompson will still miss crucial games against some of the league's top teams.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of an injury like this goes beyond the player. With Thompson out, the Bulldogs' forward pack loses a key leader, and the pressure will be on Josh Curran or Samuel Hughes to step up and fill the void.
So, what do you think? Is Gould right to adopt a 'move on' attitude, or should the Bulldogs be more concerned about the long-term impact of this injury? Let us know in the comments!
