Dragons Star Josh Kerr Cleared for Round 1 Opener Despite Pre-Season Scare
The St George Illawarra Dragons have received a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated Round 1 clash, with off-season recruit Josh Kerr confirmed to be fit and ready to play. Kerr was a notable late withdrawal from the NRL All Stars match held in New Zealand on Sunday afternoon, sparking some concern among the Dragons faithful.
Kerr was one of two players to pull out of the representative fixture, with Canterbury Bulldogs prop Leo Thompson also absent. The reason for Kerr’s withdrawal was a minor ankle injury sustained during a training session in the lead-up to the pre-season exhibition game.
Despite the setback, the club has moved swiftly to allay any fears, stating the injury is minor and that precautions were taken to ensure his availability for the Dragons’ season opener. This crucial match is just two weeks away and will see the Dragons face the Canterbury Bulldogs in Las Vegas.
A statement released by the club detailed the situation: “The Dragons can confirm that Josh Kerr sustained a minor ankle injury during a training session with the Indigenous All Stars in the lead-up to their clash in Hamilton. Whilst the injury is minor, it was decided that Kerr would not appear in the match. He will return to training with the club on Tuesday and be available for the side’s season opener in Las Vegas.”
This positive update means Kerr, who joined the Dragons from the Dolphins during the off-season, will be a key player for the team as they embark on their campaign. His ability to be on the field for the season opener is a significant positive for coach Shane Flanagan and the entire Dragons squad.
Dragons Injury Update: Key Players and Their Return Timelines
While Kerr’s return is welcome news, the Dragons will be without a few other players for their opening fixture in Las Vegas.
- Jacob Liddle: The Dragons will be without Jacob Liddle for Round 1. His absence will undoubtedly be felt in the forward pack, and his return date will be closely monitored by the club.
- Valentine Holmes: In more positive news, it is expected that Valentine Holmes will be fit to play. Holmes did not feature in the Charity Shield match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, played in Wollongong on Saturday evening, but his availability for Round 1 is considered likely.
- Dylan Egan: The second-rower, Dylan Egan, is currently on the injury list. His return to the field is anticipated to be between Rounds 8 and 10, indicating a longer rehabilitation period.
- Nathan Lawson: Nathan Lawson is the final player currently sidelined. Fortunately for the Dragons, Lawson is expected to be fit and available from Round 4.
The Dragons are scheduled to fly out to Las Vegas next weekend to prepare for their historic season opener. The team will be aiming to start their 2024 campaign on a strong note against the Bulldogs.
The Dragons’ clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs in Las Vegas is set for Sunday, March 1, kicking off at 3:30 pm AEDT. This inaugural NRL match in the United States marks a significant moment for the sport, and the Dragons will be eager to make their mark on the international stage. The team’s ability to manage their injury list effectively, with key players like Kerr returning, will be crucial to their success in the early stages of the season.
