The Canterbury Bulldogs have announced that three players will undergo surgery following another challenging weekend on the injury front.
Jaeman Salmon sustained an injury during the club’s one-point golden point victory over the New Zealand Warriors, sealed by a Matt Burton field goal. Meanwhile, forward Ryan Sutton, utility spine player Blake Taaffe, and Jack Todd were injured while playing in the NSW Cup.
Salmon was confirmed by the club’s director of football to have a displaced jaw fracture. The club has now confirmed that he underwent surgery yesterday to repair the injury and will be out for the next six weeks. The former Penrith Panther would have missed the next two weeks anyway due to an early guilty plea for dangerous contact during the game but will now miss additional games. He is unlikely to return before Round 25, with a possible return in the rematch against the Warriors in Auckland.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that spine utility Blake Taaffe has suffered a Grade 3 syndesmosis injury in the ankle, requiring surgery and an eight-week recovery. He is expected to return just in time for the finals, should the Bulldogs qualify. However, if the team makes it to the finals, Taaffe might still be sidelined for September rugby league.
Ryan Sutton’s unfortunate run with injuries continues, this time with a torn patella tendon requiring a full knee reconstruction, with an unclear recovery timeline.
Jack Todd has also suffered a forearm fracture while playing reserve grade, likely needing surgery and an eight-week recovery.