In the match between the long-standing rivals, the Parramatta Eels defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 30–4, but the Bulldogs remained courageous in their loss.
It follows another injury to a star player on the backline, as Jacob Kiraz left the game against the Eels early due to a knee injury after just 10 minutes.
After being caught awkwardly in a three-man tackle, the team reports that Kiraz injured his right knee’s MCL. Given his willingness to do all the dirty work to get out of trouble, the damaging ball carrier will be greatly missed.
Even worse, center Jake Averillo, who had a right knee complaint, was obviously uncomfortable during the entire game. He was even added to the NRL’s virtual casualty ward.
Kiraz has now joined Josh Addo-Carr, who is anticipated to be sidelined until round 15, on the growing list of injuries.
The Bulldogs, who currently lack the ability to take a trick, will need to rely on Declan Casey, Braidon Burns, or former sevens player Jeral Skelton, who may make his NRL debut following some impressive NSW Cup play.
Jayden Okunbor, who has been playing in the middle this year, began on the left wing and then moved to the right edge, where he played alongside Averillo, because they were already so short.
The injury toll has gotten so bad that rookie coach Cameron Ciraldo declared it to be the highest he had ever seen.
“This is it,” Ciraldo conceded. Yes, but that’s football. These events take place. Clubs occasionally experience it. Over the years, I’ve witnessed several instances where something appears and feels unlucky, but it’s simply footy. That’s the reason you have a top 30, because those guys will just need to step up and take the next step.
“This explains why there is a club with three grade levels that all want to play in the NRL.”
Ciraldo also acknowledged that there are still a lot of walking wounded among the team’s healthy players.
“Jake (Averillo) was fighting, and there were a few other guys playing because we need them to,” he said. “They probably shouldn’t be playing right now.”
“This club is built on grit and determination, and we’re displaying both in spades right now.
“We will reflect on this time in the future, whether it be in six months, a year, or two years, and it will be the shaping of some of these guys.”
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