The Raiders have suffered a double blow leading into the race for the finals with experienced forward Sia Soliola and English international Josh Hodgson both suffering injuries in the loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 21.
Soliola will unfortunately miss the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone early in the second half, with the rugged back-rower showed tremendous courage to try and play on and inspire his team mates to victory.
Hodgson’s injury isn’t as serious as Soliola’s but the classy hooker will still miss the next 1-2 weeks after injuring his ankle in the 43rd minute against the Cowboys.
In more positive news, Sisa Waqa is recovering well from his minor knee injury and is in line to take the field in Round 23 against the Manly Sea Eagles at GIO Stadium.
Around the grades, Joel Edwards has sustained an infection in the foot that he had surgery on and will miss this week’s game for Mounties in the VB NSW Cup, whilst Tevita Pangai Junior is recovering well from his knee injury and has resumed running, he will make his return in Round 23.
NAME: Sia Soliola
INJURY: Cheekbone
DUE BACK: Season
NOTE: Soliola will miss the rest of the season after fracturing his cheekbone early in the second half against the Cowboys in Round 21.
NAME: Josh Hodgson
INJURY: Ankle
DUE BACK: Rd 23-24
NOTE: Hodgson will miss 1-2 weeks after injuring his ankle against the Cowboys in Round 21.
NAME: Sisa Waqa
INJURY: Knee
DUE BACK: Round 23
NOTE: Waqa is recovering well from a minor knee injury.
NAME: Joel Edwards
INJURY: Foot
DUE BACK: Rd 23
NOTE: Edwards has sustained an infection in the foot he had surgery on.
NAME: Tevita Pangai Junior
INJURY: Knee
DUE BACK: Rd 23
NOTE: Pangai Junior is recovering well from his knee injury and has resumed running.
NAME: Luke Bateman
INJURY: Suspended
DUE BACK: Round 23
NOTE: Bateman pleaded guilty to a grade two dangerous contact charge and will miss three weeks
NAME: Edrick Lee
INJURY: Suspended
DUE BACK: Round 23
NOTE: Lee pleaded guilty to a grade two tripping charge and will miss this week’s game against the Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium.
