Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has conceded it could be season over for his captain Jarrod Croker in another blow to the Raiders’ NRL finals aspirations.
The star centre was taken from the field late in the first-half of the 38-12 victory over North Queensland because of a dislocated knee he aggravated in only the seventh minute of the game.
Croker went down early in Saturday night’s clash, before medical staff strapped his knee and he attempted to play through the pain but it became too much after about 30 minutes.
It is the same injury he suffered in last year’s All-Star match, which saw him miss the start of the season.
“It was disappointing losing our captain. I don’t know what the extent of it is but it doesn’t look good,” Stuart said.
“I suppose the medicos will be able to explain it better, but they need to look at why the knee cap keeps popping out, so hopefully it’s not too bad and doesn’t need an operation, if he does then it’s season-ending.”
Croker’s absence robs the Raiders of valuable experience and their first-choice kicker.
After the 27-year-old left the ground, halfback Aidan Sezer filled the void and made five of six conversion attempts.
But with the Raiders still two games outside of the top-eight, losing Croker is the last thing they need.
Canberra have already been hit by the NRL suspending Jack Wighton for the rest of the season for pleading guilty to assault charges.
That’s on top of being without forward Shannon Boyd (calf), replacement fullback Brad Abbey (concussion), Joseph Tapine (suspension) and Luke Bateman (knee).
Star hooker Josh Hodgson is only four games into his comeback from ACL surgery.
“It’s (injuries) been the nature of our season this year,” Stuart said.
“Like any coach understands, we’re not the only team that will have it, but when you’ve got your best players sitting on the sidelines it makes it even harder.
“It makes it awfully hard and it makes a win like this is even better because players get an opportunity.”
The Raiders now face one of the hardest stretches one could imagine.
Following their first home match in three rounds, Canberra hit the road again and will play Cronulla, Melbourne and Penrith away over the next three weeks.
