LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a devastating blow for the North Queensland Cowboys, Coen Hess has officially been ruled out for the entire 2024 NRL season.
The confirmation comes after scans revealed that the talented player has torn his ACL, leaving the team without his formidable presence on the field.
The injury was initially suspected when Hess was forced to leave the field during the Cowboys' final trial match against the Canberra Raiders.
The club wasted no time in issuing a statement, announcing that the hands-on examination had indeed confirmed the dreaded ACL injury.
Known for his reliability on the field, Hess will now face a grueling recovery process that typically takes anywhere from nine to twelve months.
This means that even in the best-case scenario, he may face a disrupted preparation ahead of his much-anticipated return to the rugby league in 2025.
It goes without saying that the Cowboys will sorely miss Hess's contributions and will now have to find a way to fill the significant void left in their lineup.