‘Double blow’: Jesse Colquhoun and Kade Dykes suffer injury setbacks, Eels to be without key forward for round 1

The Sharks will be without talented youngster Jesse Colquhoun for an indefinite period of time after the youngster suffered a foot injury in last week’s pre-season win over the Bulldogs.

The club confirmed that the 22-year-old broke his fourth metatarsal, with Cronulla’s medical staff to consult surgeons to work out when he will be cleared to play.

It’s a disappointing setback for Colquhoun, who recently signed a new contract to stay with the club until 2026, with the promising forward playing six matches last year, including coming off the bench in their elimination final loss to the Roosters.

There’s more bad news for the Sharks, with Kade Dykes set to miss the opening rounds of the new season after he picked up a “minor hamstring injury” against the Bulldogs.

It’s a blow for the youngster after he missed the entire 2023 season due to an ACL tear.

There’s mixed news at Parramatta, with big man Wiremu Greig expected to miss round 1 after he injured his hamstring last week, while a couple of his teammates are set to take on the Bulldogs next week.

“Bailey Simonsson has been cleared of injury despite leaving the field early during the Eels’ trial match win over the Titans,” the club wrote in a statement.

“Ryan Matterson, who was a late withdrawal from the final trial match due to a back issue, is anticipated to be available for round 1.”