LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Pilot Medical Update - Tom Hazelton
Sharks prop Tom Hazelton will be sidelined for up to three months following surgery to address a sternoclavicular joint injury sustained during the round 10 match against Manly at Four Pines Park.
This injury and the subsequent lengthy recovery period are a frustrating setback for one of the Sharks' most popular and reliable players.
The surgery, performed on Tuesday, followed a series of evaluations with shoulder specialists.
Currently, Hazelton's estimated return to play stands at 12 weeks.
He incurred the sternoclavicular joint injury-commonly referred to as a collarbone joint injury-when he awkwardly landed while in possession of the ball during the Sharks' victory over the Sea Eagles.
While this long-term injury is disappointing for both Hazelton and the Sharks, there is some good news: the team is optimistic about the potential return of players such as Toby Rudolf, Teig Wilton, and Sione Katoa, all of whom have been out for extended periods.