When Jayden Brailey reeled out of a tackle on Manly’s Dylan Walker in 48th minute of last Sunday’s clash the concern for the Sharks young star was immediate.
Brailey signalled to the trainers and came straight from the field, with an ambulance summoned to transport him to hospital for x-rays and scans on a likely broken jaw.
Unfortunately, those initial fears were confirmed, Brailey undergoing surgery late on Tuesday night with plates inserted to repair two breaks.
Now home and recovering, the Sharks are hopeful of having Brailey available and back on the field in advance of the NRL finals, however an exact return date has yet to be determined.
Once more information becomes available as to the recovery period expected it will be communicated through the Sharks website.
As for a replacement for Brailey for when the Sharks travel to Gosford to play the Roosters, that responsibility has fallen on Fa’amanu Brown, who despite playing most of the 2017 as a half-five eighth, is a more than capable dummy half having played the position in previous seasons.
James Segeyaro, the Sharks other hooking option, inches ever-closer to a return, although that now won’t occur until round 19 against the Titans, following a round 18 bye.
Segeyaro suffered a broken arm in round six and has been sidelined ever since.
The only other Sharks NRL squad member currently unavailable through injury is Tony Williams, who after having a knee reconstruction, will miss the remainder of the 2017 season.
The Sharks 21-man squad selected to play the Roosters is fit and ready to go, with Coach Shane Flanagan needing to make some difficult decisions in trimming his team down to 17 for Saturday’s game.
