The Wests Tigers have confirmed Charlie Staines is facing months on the sideline after suffering a somewhat bizarre and painful injury during his side’s 22-16 loss to the Sea Eagles.
Staines suffered a perforated bowel making a tackle during the second half, and bravely fought through the pain to play all 80 minutes.
As his pain level increased after the match, Staines notified club doctors and he was admitted to hospital.
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He underwent surgery on Monday night, and is expected to be on the sidelines for up to three months.
Teammate David Klemmer said Staines was a “tremendous” loss for the side.
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“I can’t fault him this season … it’s a credit to him as well, just how tough he is to play through that,” Klemmer told media on Wednesday.
“I am devastated for him and his family. He has worked really hard to play consistent footy this year.
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“We will be right behind him and make sure he does the right thing to get back and healthy.”
Staines’ injury comes two weeks after Adam Doueihi’s season was ended by a third ACL rupture suffered against the Eels on Easter Monday.
But it’s not all bad news at Leichhardt, with Brent Naden – the other Tiger injured in that Eels clash – named to make his return against the Panthers in Bathurst this weekend after injuring his shoulder as he scored a try just minutes before Doueihi’s injury.
Veteran David Nofoaluma was named to play his first NRL game since he was mysteriously benched by Tim Sheens in round three as cover for Staines.
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