The Melbourne Storm has released an update regarding the injury status of forward Ativalu Lisati following their 30-4 defeat to the Manly Sea Eagles on Saturday.
Lisati was assisted off the field after suffering a syndesmosis injury because of a suspected hip drop tackle from Joey Walsh.
Walsh was penalized for this tackle during the next set of play and was subsequently sin-binned.
Interestingly, Lisati was not referred to the NRL's match review committee and avoided any further disciplinary actions.
After undergoing surgery on his ankle, Lisati is projected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks and will start his rehabilitation with the Storm's medical team.
The 25-year-old second-rower transitioned to Melbourne from the Penrith Panthers midway through 2024 and has since appeared in 25 NRL matches for the Storm.
His absence will be felt significantly, as he averages 114 meters per game and regularly plays the full 80 minutes at a high intensity.
With Elisia Katoa and Tui Kamikamica also out for the season-both critical components of their lineup-Lisati's injury adds to the Storm's growing list of sidelined players.
Currently placed 12th on the ladder, the Storm is striving to recover from a shaky start to the season, having lost seven consecutive matches in earlier weeks.