NRL Injury News Summary – Round 27:

- Roosters halfback Sam Walker has undergone ankle surgery on a syndesmosis injury and is fighting the clock to return during the final’s series.

- Cowboys skipper Tom Dearden returned from a four-week ankle layoff, but winger Murray Taulagi faces an indefinite spell after a training-ground concussion.

- Warriors continue to be hammered by hamstring issues, with Te Maire Martin and Chanel Harris-Tavita both delayed on their comebacks.

- Panthers centre Izack Tago (knee) is set for 2-3 weeks out, while Manly speedster Tolu Koula avoids surgery on his syndesmosis injury.

Roosters Sweating on Walker's Finals Availability

Sydney Roosters halfback Sam Walker has gone under the knife after copping a syndesmosis injury in Saturday night's loss to the Dolphins at Allianz Stadium. 

The playmaker was brought down awkwardly in a Kulikefu Finefeuiaki tackle in the 53rd minute and couldn't get back to his feet.

Walker will now work closely with the Tricolours' medical and rehab staff in a bid to feature at some point during the club's finals campaign. 

Hooker Reece Robson also left the field late in the contest after his head was crunched in a tackle, reporting "pins and needles" post-match.

Cowboys Boost as Dearden Returns

North Queensland received a timely lift with captain Tom Dearden back in the side after four games sidelined with an ankle complaint, including that brutal 82-12 loss to the Roosters in Round 22. Forward Jeremiah Nanai (hamstring) also returned against the Wests Tigers.

However, back Zac Laybutt was ruled out with a Category 1 concussion after a head clash with Tony Sukkar, and winger Murray Taulagi is facing an extended stint after picking up a concussion at training last week.

Warriors and Knights Injury Toll Mounts

The Wahs remain decimated, taking on the Knights without Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (collarbone), Luke Metcalf (hamstring), Jackson Ford (pectoral), Chanel Harris-Tavita (hamstring) and Te Maire Martin (hamstring). 

Winger Luke Laulilii was then added to the list with a Category 1 head knock after a high shot from Jacob Saifiti, who was sent off.

Newcastle hooker Phoenix Crossland has had surgery to remove meniscus and is expected back for Finals Week 1. 

Back-rower Francis Manuleleua was stretchered off on a medicab just before half-time with what appeared to be an elbow dislocation, a cruel blow in his first game back from concussion.

Penrith Manage Late Setback Ahead of Finals

Panthers centre Izack Tago picked up a knee injury in the win over the Bulldogs and faces 2-3 weeks out. Broncos’ utility Blake Mozer was pulled from the loss to the Storm with a Category 1 head knock, ruling him out of the Round 27 clash with Canterbury.

Manly speedster Tolu Koula received better news, with coach Kieran Foran confirming the moderate grade syndesmosis injury, suffered from a Dom Young hip drop tackle in Round 25, won't require surgery. Koula remains a chance for Tonga's World Cup campaign.

Elsewhere, Sharks centre Mawene Hiroti (ribs) came off mid-way through the first half, Wests Tigers lock Alex Twal missed the Cowboys clash with concussion, and Dragons’ hooker Jacob Liddle is done for the season with a torn calf.