LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Cronulla's Nicho Hynes faces uncertainty as to his participation in next week's NRL finals against the Roosters after being put on report for a hip-drop tackle during Saturday's victory over the Bulldogs. Meanwhile, Canterbury's playoff prospects have been dampened following a 24-6 defeat to the Sharks, compounded by significant injuries to key players.
Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo is trying to downplay the team's recent performance, yet he has pressing issues to address before they head to Melbourne to compete against the Storm in their qualifying final on Friday. Notably, both Bronson Xerri and Marcelo Montoya will be sidelined due to injuries sustained during the match.
Xerri exited the game early with a category one head knock, leading to an automatic 11-day stand down. He may return for the second or third week of the finals, depending on the outcome against the Storm. Conversely, Montoya's situation appears more dire, as he left the field on crutches with an ankle injury incurred during a tackle by Hynes, suggesting that his season may be over.
The tackle by Hynes wasn't typical of a hip-drop since his knee landed on Montoya's foot, twisting his ankle awkwardly. Notable NRL figure Cooper Cronk remarked that Hynes could face disciplinary action from the match review committee. Braith Anasta also labeled the action a 'dangerous' play by the Cronulla player.
"It's going to be looked at, there's no doubt and the result of an injury will come into play," Cronk stated during a segment on Fox League. He explained the distinction between the usual hip-drop tackle and Hynes' situation: "If you think about what a typical hip-drop is, it's losing your legs and your hip dropping on the back of the legs."
"He loses his legs here, Nicho Hynes, but it's actually his knee that does the damage to the ankle... his knee comes through and twists that ankle," Cronk added, emphasizing the potential implications of the injury on Hynes' future matches. Anasta echoed this sentiment, stating, "The concern Nicho Hynes has here, you can see he lands right on the back ankle... it's dangerous." He acknowledged that while it was an accident, the injury's severity would likely influence any potential suspension. "It looks like (Montoya's) season could be over, and that does come into play with suspensions like this," he remarked.