Canterbury Bulldogs have been hit with a major blow with Luke Thompson suffering a long-term injury on the eve of the NRL season.
The club’s general manager, Phil Gould, confirmed the news via social media on Tuesday.
Thompson, 27, sustained the injury during pre-season training and is expected to miss up to a massive six months of action.
Gould wrote on Twitter: “Unfortunately Luke Thompson’s injury is quite serious. Prognosis is for minimum six months recovery. Possibly longer depending on surgery type. Very sad for Luke and the club. Thunderbolts happen.”
The prop forward has struggled with injuries throughout his NRL career, limiting him to just 38 appearances so far across three seasons.
He featured for England during the delayed 2021 World Cup on home soil, making three appearances under Shaun Wane.
Canterbury Bulldogs kick-off their 2023 NRL campaign on Saturday away to Manly Sea Eagles.
Unfortunately Luke Thompson’s injury is quite serious. Prognosis is for minimum 6 months recovery. Possibly longer depending on surgery type. Very sad for Luke and the club. Thunderbolts happen.
— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) February 28, 2023
More on the opening round of the NRL
England international Oliver Gildart has not been included in the Dolphins squad that will make its NRL debut this Sunday against the Sydney Roosters.
Gildart, 26, featured for the club during pre-season against North Queensland Cowboys. He was dropped the following week for their fixture against Gold Coast Titans.
Head coach Wayne Bennett has instead opted for centres Euan Aitken and Brenko Lee for their home match against the Roosters. Meanwhile, Anthony Milford has also been dropped. Isaiya Katoa will partner Sean O’Sullivan in the halves.
Josh Hodgson has been named to make his official Parramatta Eels debut at hooker. His new side host Melbourne Storm in the opening game of the 2023 campaign on Thursday. Jackson Hastings will also feature for Newcastle Knights, named alongside Kalyn Ponga in the halves.
Following his four-year deal with the Dolphins, Herbie Farnworth will start for Brisbane Broncos in the centres. They face back-to-back champions Penrith Panthers.
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