The St George Illawarra Dragons have given a significant update regarding their co-captain Clint Gutherson as they prepare for an essential match against Manly in Wollongong.
The experienced player has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which he sustained during the latter part of their defeat to the Cowboys in Kogarah last week.
The team is optimistic that he will be sidelined for only four weeks, with one of those weeks accounted for as a bye.
Dragons' high-performance manager, Daniel Lawson, provided insights into the fullback's condition.
"Scans showed that Clint suffered a Grade 2 strain late in Saturday's game," Lawson remarked.
"He will attack his rehab with his trademark professionalism, and we are hopeful to have him back on the field after the bye in Round 9."
In response, Shane Flanagan has brought Tyrell Sloan back into the lineup to fill in for the absent fullback as they face a challenging road to keep their season alive, having started with a zero and five record.
Additionally, Hayden Buchanan will not participate in this weekend's game after sustaining a head injury last week, placing him under concussion protocols until he is cleared to play again.