<p><meta charset="utf-8"></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:17pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">NRL Round 2 Injury News Summary:</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;text-indent:-18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">-</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Spencer Leniu ruled out for four weeks with hamstring strain after late withdrawal from Roosters' Warriors clash.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;text-indent:-18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">-</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Storm captain Harry Grant suffers hamstring scare but avoids serious injury in win over Parramatta</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;text-indent:-18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">-</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Raiders prop Josh Papali'i faces 11-day concussion stand-down following failed HIA against Manly</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;padding:0pt 0pt 0pt 18pt;text-indent:-18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">-</span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:6.999999999999999pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;"> </span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Newcastle playmaker Fletcher Sharpe targeting a Round 3 return after injuring PCL in his side’s Vegas opener.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:17pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Key Injury Concerns for Premiership Contenders</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Sydney Roosters have been dealt a significant blow with enforcer Spencer Leniu sidelined for four weeks due to a moderate hamstring strain suffered during warm-ups before their clash with the Warriors.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The prop's absence adds to the Roosters' injury woes, with Tommy Talau requiring further testing on a knee injury and several other players working through rehabilitation programs.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Melbourne Storm experienced a major scare when captain and Golden Boot winner Harry Grant appeared to injure his hamstring during their match against Parramatta.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">However, the initial diagnosis revealed a hamstring cramp rather than a tear, with Grant remaining on the bench as a precautionary measure.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Storm also lost rookie Cooper Clarke to a rib injury and lock Alec MacDonald to a head knock in the same match.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:17pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Concussion Protocols Impact Multiple Teams</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The NRL's strict concussion protocols continue to affect team selections, with Canberra Raiders prop Josh Papali'i facing an 11-day mandatory stand-down after failing his HIA.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">This ruling will see the experienced forward miss the Raiders' upcoming trip to Auckland to face the Warriors.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Manly Sea Eagles have also been impacted by head injury protocols, with Simione Laiafi entering the 11-day HIA process after suffering a head knock at training, forcing his withdrawal from the clash with Canberra.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:17pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Hamstring Epidemic Sweeps Competition</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">A concerning trend of hamstring injuries has emerged across the competition, affecting key players from multiple clubs.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Beyond Leniu's four-week absence, South Sydney playmaker Ashton Ward is expected to miss two to three weeks with a low-grade syndesmosis ankle injury, while Gold Coast's Jayden Campbell faces a similar timeframe with a minor hamstring strain.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">North Queensland Cowboys will be without back-rower Tom Mikaele for six weeks following a medial ligament injury sustained in Las Vegas, adding to their injury concerns alongside fullback Scott Drinkwater's rib cartilage damage.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><h2 style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:4pt;margin-top:18pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:17pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Long-term Rehabilitation Updates</span></h2><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Several clubs are managing players through extended rehabilitation periods from pre-season surgeries.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">Penrith Panthers remain without star back-rower Liam Martin due to a calf injury, while Cronulla Sharks continue to monitor Teig Wilton's recovery from shoulder surgery.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">The Rabbitohs face an indefinite wait for Jai Arrow's return as he continues treatment for a nerve injury in his shoulder, with specialists providing treatment over the next 4-6 weeks to help the nerves settle.</span></p><p style="line-height:1.38;margin-bottom:12pt;margin-top:12pt;" dir="ltr"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:#000000;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;font-weight:400;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap;">These early-season injuries highlight the physical demands of elite rugby league and will test the depth of squads across the competition as clubs navigate the opening months of the 2026 campaign.</span></p>