Bulldogs Have Confirmed Hopate's Horror Injury

The injury toll is mounting


Article heading image for Bulldogs Have Confirmed Hopate's Horror Injury

The Canterbury Bulldogs have confirmed the worst on Will Hopoate's Injury when they made the short statement this morning

"Will Hopoate suffered concussion and a fracture to the left eye socket. He is awaiting further scans to see if an operation is required to assist in the recovery process."

Des Hasler's squad is about to receive a test of its depth after both Hopoate and winger Holland went down in a bruising encounter at Allianz Stadium.

Hopoate was taken to hospital with a fractured eye socket after a nasty head collision with Zane Tetevano in the second half.

Winger Holland is also expected to miss several weeks after going over on his shoulder while scoring the side's opening try.

Holland's exit from the game not only forced Hasler into reshuffling his backline, but also move key back-rower Josh Jackson to centre.

Holland;s goal-kicking was also missed with stand-in kicker Moses Mbye struggling with the boot.

Mbye missed three conversions and Hasler admitted the match could have turned out differently had Holland stayed on.

"He's hurt his shoulder so he'll be out for a little while," Hasler said.

"Which is a shame because he probably would have kicked a couple of those goals."

With Hopoate out, Brett Morris is likely to move to fullback, opening the door for highly-rated youngster Montoya to make his NRL debut on the wing.

Reimis Smith, who scored two tries on debut last year, and Tyrone Phillips also shape as options.

Hasler praised his side after they shrugged off a hefty injury toll to get within four of the Roosters.

"All those trademarks are embedded into this club and into this team," Hasler said.

"We just need to start getting some results."

9 March 2017




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