LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a disappointing setback for the Dolphins, Felise Kaufusi and Jeremy Marshall-King have been ruled out of the Round 9 game against the Canberra Raiders.
Kaufusi is dealing with a strained medial ligament, while Marshall-King remains sidelined due to an infection from a cut on his thigh suffered two weeks ago.
However, there is a silver lining as utility Max Plath may be able to play this weekend after leaving last week's game with a foot injury.
The Dolphins' Head of Performance, Jeremy Hickmans, explained the decision to give Marshall-King an extra week to recover: "We really want to make sure Jeremy's cut heals properly before he does anything, so the best way to look after him is to give him another week's break." This cautious approach highlights the importance of player welfare and ensuring that injuries are given the appropriate time to heal.
Despite the setbacks, the Dolphins are looking ahead to Magic Round on May 2nd, where Kaufusi and Marshall-King are expected to make their returns against the Sydney Roosters.
This gives the players additional time to recover and be at full strength for the upcoming match.
The absence of these key players will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming game, but the team is focused on maximizing their chances for success in the long term.
The news of Kaufusi and Marshall-King being ruled out serves as a reminder of the physical toll that rugby league can take on players.
Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, but taking the necessary precautions and allowing players to fully recover is essential for their long-term health and performance.
The Dolphins are prioritizing the well-being of their players, and while it may be a blow to be missing key duo, they are taking a proactive approach to ensure they return to the field in optimal condition.