Dragons' injury curse strikes another prop

[Father Ted]

July 2, 2013, 3 a.m.

• 
  Dan Hunt receives assistance from a trainer after damaging his knee during St George Illawarra's match against Penrith. Picture: GETTY IMAGES

St George Illawarra medical staff will seek further opinion on Dan Hunt's knee injury, casting doubt as to how much impact the Dragons prop will have in the second half of the season.
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Hunt limped from the field in the Dragons' 25-10 loss to Penrith on Saturday night, continuing the injury curse enveloping St George Illawarra props at Centrebet Stadium.
Michael Weyman suffered a season-ending knee injury on the same ground last year.
Scans revealed Hunt suffered a partial strain to his patella tendon, but St George Illawarra's medical staff will consult specialists before putting a time frame on his recovery.
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"We are currently acquiring opinions from knee specialists before settling on the best course of action regarding his rehabilitation plan," St George Illawarra high performance director Andrew Gray said.
Hunt's injury adds to the growing casualty ward at the Dragons, which includes Gerard Beale and Kyle Stanley to season-ending knee injuries, plus Matt Cooper (toe) and Bronson Harrison (hand).

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Meanwhile, Cooper and Bronx Goodwin used Twitter to cool rumours their respective retirements were imminent.
The pair, alongside veteran halfback Nathan Fien, are due to front the media alongside coach Steve Price this morning, fuelling speculation on social media that all three were to hang up their boots.
"Just letting everyone know that there will be NO announcement of retirement [today] ... I still haven't made a decision on my future," Cooper tweeted yesterday, backing up a similar message from Goodwin only seconds earlier.
Fien, 33, told the Mercury in the aftermath of Saturday night's loss to Penrith he would weigh up a decision on his future "over the next few weeks".
"I've had a chat with the club about possibilities," he said.
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"I know from many years in the game that sort of stuff will take care of itself.
"I'm a realist, though. I understand the situation the club's in, in terms of looking for a long-term solution. I'm obviously, definitely not that. I'm not going to be playing for another three or four years.
"As I've said many times, I still think I'm playing good footy and have a lot to offer the club, whether that's playing here at Dragons next year we'll just have to wait and see.
Fien said he was looking at options off the field.

http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1609478/dragons-injury-curse-strikes-another-prop/?cs=302

 

[Slippery Morris]

That means Prior will now be selected at Prop...wait a minute....Nah, he will put Chase Stanley there and move Prior to 5/8.

 

[Gazzaw]

No no no no. Weyman to 5/8 & Chase to prop

 

[TheRev]

Its not a huge loss except we dont have a lot of depth left to call on, I wonder if this is the moment for Creagh to change position?

 

[hardbaby]

Its not a huge loss except we dont have a lot of depth left to call on, I wonder if this is the moment for Creagh to change position?

Yes it is. All the calls for the youngsters to run out are unrealistic. One or two, sure, but we can't have a wholesale policy. But Price can change some positions amongst the squad and get it closer to what it should be next year.

We know JT and Fritz/Harrison will be our edge players so we should take advantage of these injuries and move Creagh in tight. Losing Hunt is a blessing in disguise. It lets us get the rotation of Merrin, Creagh, De Belin and Stockwell. That's what it will be next year (+ Cooper or another signing) so let's start it now.

Similarly, Chase won't be in the halves next year so we should let Seijka play in Widdop's position and move Chase back to centre. If he gets a spot in the 17 next year it will be at centre so stop wasting time and play him there.

 

[64 Dragon]

Price probably won't move Chase back to centre. It will look like he has made a mistake after talking up Chase as our next great hope!

 

[Joey_dragons]

I hope he doesn't ever return. hes useless, all hes good at is giving away penalties

 

[TheRev]

I hope he doesn't ever return. hes useless, all hes good at is giving away penalties

Bit harsh (though I get it)... I feel like as a bench player Hunt would provide a nice option... especially if he wasnt on big dollars.

But with Weyman close to retirement, Hunt isnt the kind of guy who can lead a forward pack around, and he is really our only experienced prop so we need more from him.

Really I think his contract $ has to reflect his impact, he isnt going to develop any further, and I think he would struggle to get a contract in Australia, though probably easily get a gig overseas.

 

[jenninga]

Its not a huge loss except we dont have a lot of depth left to call on, I wonder if this is the moment for Creagh to change position?

Yep, and Vea to be added to the bench,would like to see that.

 

[Mr Red]

Bit harsh (though I get it)... I feel like as a bench player Hunt would provide a nice option... especially if he wasnt on big dollars.

But with Weyman close to retirement, Hunt isnt the kind of guy who can lead a forward pack around, and he is really our only experienced prop so we need more from him.

Really I think his contract $ has to reflect his impact, he isnt going to develop any further, and I think he would struggle to get a contract in Australia, though probably easily get a gig overseas.

parra might pay $350k a season for him??

 

[TheRev]

parra might pay $350k a season for him??

haha I know your jokin, but even at 200k, I reckon for the money he would want you would throw it at a young up and comer... I guess he does bring a lot of experience to the table though.

He has 7yrs tenure with us atm, so hes not approaching veteran/cheaper status anytime soon either.