NRL Injury News Summary - Round 8

• Manly skipper Tom Trbojevic sidelined for six to eight weeks after suffering another hamstring injury in the win over the Cowboys.
• Brisbane Broncos facing a front-row crisis on top of their existing hooker shortage, with Payne Haas (MCL) and- Corey Jensen ruled out for extended periods.
• Penrith Panthers lose threetime premiership winning hooker Mitch Kenny for at least two months following a leg injury sustained in a hip drop tackle.
• Canterbury Bulldogs sweat on fitness of Jacob Kiraz as Stephen Crichton returns for Round 8 of the NRL Season.

Turbo’s Hamstring Injury Has Foran on the Backfoot

Manly under undefeated coach and club legend Kieran Foran might be one of the hottest teams in the NRL right now, but they’ve been dealt a devastating blow with superstar fullback Tom Trbojevic ruled out for the next six to eight weeks.

Turbo suffered yet another hamstring injury during the clash with North Queensland, leaving coach Foz to reshuffle his backline.

 Thankfully for Sea Eagles fans, Tolu Koula is a more than capable replacement and is expected to shift from the centres to his preferred fullback role.

This opening allows Clayton Faulalo to jump into the starting side after an impressive 60-minute stint against the Cowboys where he racked up 114 metres and a try assist.

Payne Haas Out - Front Row Crisis at Red Hill

The Brisbane Broncos’ premiership defence is under serious fire as their casualty ward continues to grow.

Possibly the best front rower of all time Payne Haas is set to miss six to eight weeks with a Grade 3 MCL injury, while front row partner Corey Jensen remains in hospital after scans revealed a pulmonary embolism.

And look away Blues fans, because Haas is highly unlikely to participate in State of Origin Game One.

The blows don't stop there for Madge’s men; Kotoni Staggs (plantar fascia) and Jesse Arthars (interosseous membrane tear) are both sidelined with no clear return date.

While Cory Paix returns from a head knock, the Broncos will still be without Ben Hunt (knee), though there is a glimmer of hope that Reece Walsh could return to the training paddock this week.

Panthers and Eels Feel the Burn

Penrith’s dummy-half depth will be tested after Mitch Kenny was ruled out for at least two months with a significant leg injury. This opens the door for Freddy Lussick to take over the No. 9 jersey for the foreseeable future.

Over at Parramatta, Jason Ryles is sweating on the fitness of Ryley Smith after he suffered a sternum injury against the Bulldogs.

If Smith can’t suit up, young rake Tallyn Da Silva has already put his hand up to play the full 80 minutes. In better news for Eels fans, Kelma Tuilagi and Sean Russell are expected to be available for selection this week.

Casualty Ward Overflowing Across the League

The injury bug has bitten hard across the remaining clubs as we head into the thick of the season.

The Bulldogs are nervously awaiting scan results for winger Jacob Kiraz (knee), though they are bolstered by the return of skipper Stephen Crichton.

Meanwhile, the Raiders will likely be without veteran enforcer Josh Papalii, who succumbed to a calf injury in Round 7.   Newcastle's Greg Marzhew is in doubt following a head knock against the Roosters, adding to a Knights injury list that still includes Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best, and Tyson Frizell.

 At the Storm, Craig Bellamy is looking for a spark after five straight losses and should welcome back Ativalu Lisati from a calf complaint, though Xavier Coates remains at least another week away.

Odds are subject to change.*