Newcastle has suffered a significant setback with the news that dynamic back Fletcher Sharpe has reportedly been sidelined for the remainder of the NRL season.
The electrifying player, who is capable of performing in both the halves and at fullback, sustained a serious injury during the match in Perth over the weekend against the Dolphins.
Sharpe, 21, incurred a lacerated kidney and ruptured spleen during the contest, necessitating his stay in Western Australia for several days for medical treatment.
He was eventually cleared to return home on Wednesday, but the Knights are not anticipating his return to the field this season as they strive for a finals berth.
Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien expressed his shock on Saturday night upon learning the seriousness of Sharpe’s injuries, particularly given that he had continued to play through the pain for the remainder of the match.
Fletcher Sharpe of the Knights scores a try. Hannah Peters via Getty Images
“He will need to undergo a process where he meets with specialists in the coming weeks,” O’Brien mentioned on Thursday.
“However, we are a long way from knowing when he might return to contact sports or even be able to lift anything heavy, I would imagine.
“It’s quite a serious injury, and we are treating it with the utmost care.
I would be surprised if we see him back this season. But I’m not the expert here – I’ll leave that to those who know more than I do.”
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O’Brien is not concerned that the severe nature of Sharpe’s injuries will jeopardise his future in the sport.
Sharpe has been a standout performer for the team this season, contributing 11 of their 39 tries and stepping in for captain Kalyn Ponga at fullback on multiple occasions.
The Knights will face the Raiders in a match this Friday night.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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