Vodafone Warriors team-mates Glen Fisiiahi, Shaun Johnson and Ben Matulino console a devastated Jerome Ropati after he broke his jaw against Wests Tigers yesterday. Photo: Photosport.
Auckland, New Zealand, March 30, 2014 - Jerome Ropati faces anything from six weeks to 12 weeks on the sideline after breaking his jaw in the Vodafone Warriors’ fourth-round NRL clash against Wests Tigers at Westpac Stadium in Wellington yesterday.
Making his third appearance of the season, the 29-year-old’s 12th NRL campaign was put on hold after a try-saving tackle on Tigers fullback James Tedesco left him with a broken jaw just 12 minutes into yesterday’s contest.
Ropati was scheduled to have surgery in Wellington today.
“The optimistic outlook is for Jerome to be back in six weeks if his surgery and recovery goes well but it’s possible his recovery could take up to 12 weeks,” said Vodafone Warriors doctor John Mayhew.
“We’ll know more in the next day or so after we’ve been able to assess him after his operation.”
It’s the fourth time in successive seasons that Ropati, who was playing his 145th NRL game yesterday, has been hampered by a significant injury.
In more encouraging injury news, Thomas Leuluai made a successful return from his groin injury yesterday and Ben Henry is also making good progress from his knee injury suffered against St George Illawarra on March 15.
A knee injury kept Feleti Mateo out of yesterday’s match against the Tigers but he is in line to be available this week.
INJURY LIST
Jerome Ropati – jaw (Round 10-16)
Kevin Locke – knee (indefinite)
Ben Henry – knee (Round 8-9)
Sam Lousi – ankle (Round 5)
