NRL news 2023 | Newcastle Knights star Jayden Brailey ruled out for season with knee injury, ACL rupture
The Knights have been dealt a crushing blow in their bid to make a surprise finals appearance in 2023, with skipper Jayden Brailey ruled out for the season.
The Knights sent out a statement on Tuesday morning announcing that scans on Brailey’s knee had confirmed the star’s worst fears, with a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus identified.
Brailey will need surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined until next season. The injury occurred in Newcastle’s latest gutsy win – a 34-24 victory over the Warriors on Sunday that propelled them into the top eight.
READ MORE: The ‘toxic’ problem the NRL must address
READ MORE: Mickelson haunted by $277 million ‘misstep’
READ MORE: ‘Career in jeopardy’: Ref punished for elbowing star
It’s the second time Brailey has ruptured the ACL in his right knee.
The 27-year-old hooker has been one of the Knights’ best players so far this season, leading a resurgence that has put them in a position to challenge for the finals just a year after a horrific 14th placed finish.
However, that goal will become extremely difficult without the services of one of their leaders and key playmakers.
Utility Kurt Mann looms as the most likely man to fill in for Brailey at No.9 and is likely to be named their when the Knights announce their team for their round seven clash with the Panthers on Saturday night.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
The Mole’s team of the week: The other star who ‘terrorised’ Cowboys in return
