The Dolphins’ NRL finals hopes have taken a significant blow with confirmation that star hooker Jeremy Marshall-King will require surgery on a fractured foot.
Breathing a Sigh of Relief, But Still a Hit
Initial fears of a season-ending Lisfranc fracture were thankfully allayed by scans, but Marshall-King will still be out for at least eight weeks. This means he’ll miss the crucial final rounds of the regular season, returning at the earliest for Round 25. In the worst-case scenario, his absence could extend into the finals series.
Tough Schedule Without Key Players
The Dolphins currently sit precariously in sixth place on the ladder, just one point ahead of Manly. Their recent form hasn’t been ideal, with just one win in their last four matches. This shaky run coincides with the loss of key players like prop Thomas Flegler (shoulder) and utility Kurt Donoghoe (suspension).
The upcoming period without Marshall-King will be particularly challenging. The Dolphins face a tough run of fixtures against Penrith, Sydney Roosters, Warriors, and Canterbury during his absence.
Plath to Step Up, Bennett Demands Improvement
Versatile hooker Max Plath is expected to fill the void left by Marshall-King. Coach Wayne Bennett has expressed his dissatisfaction with the recent performances and challenged the team to lift their game.
“We’ve put ourselves in this position,” Bennett said. “The injury toll is getting high, but we control our own destiny. We need a strong response from everyone.”
The Dolphins will have a bye this week before returning to action with a mountain to climb and a depleted squad. Can they overcome these challenges and secure a finals berth? Only time will tell.
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Source: https://nit.com.au/03-07-2024/12323/dolphins-marshall-king-out-for-up-to-10-weeks
