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Kennedy injury sours Manly win
Saturday, August 12, 2006 - 4:15 PM
Manly's vital win over Newcastle has come at a price with tough as nails Sea Eagles skipper Ben Kennedy likely to miss a couple of NRL matches with a quadriceps injury.
While the loss of Kennedy leaves a massive hole in the Manly line-up, the news is better than first thought following initial fears the veteran backrower's season and career could have come to a premature end in the 16-14 win at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Friday night.
Kennedy suffered what he thought was a cork early in the first half, but after trying to run it off for about a minute left the field.
With his side clinging to a slender 10-8 halftime lead he courageously re-entered the contest in the 58th minute but lasted only three minutes, spending the remainder of the match on the bench.
He feared the worst after the match as he sat with a large ice pack strapped to his leg, but Sea Eagles media manager Peter Peters said the Kennedy would be back on the field before the end of the regular season.
"We've just got the results from his scans and he'll only be out for a week or two which is good news," Peters said.
"There was some suggestion he wouldn't play again this season but that's certainly not the case.
"He's been busy getting the scans done today and he's gone home to rest the injury, he'll start work on getting it better tomorrow."
The Sea Eagles play South Sydney and premiership favourites the Bulldogs over the next two weeks.
But knowing Kennedy's determination and ability to play with injury it would take a brave man to tip against the Australian Test lock being on the field for the round 25 Friday night showdown with the Dogs.
While naturally disappointed to lose someone of Kennedy's ability, Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford said he was pleased to see the side hold on for a win against the Knights without their inspirational leader.
"I just think every bloke that played tonight really stepped up and when BK went off ... we really did miss BK, he's a massive force in this team, but the other blokes picked up the slack and I thought we did well," Orford said.
"He's not going to be here next year so that's a great step, playing a game with so much riding on it, for the guys not to crack under pressure and just to do their job, it's a good sign."
Kennedy's backrow partner Anthony Watmough also suffered a shoulder injury but is expected to be right to take on the Rabbitohs.
Meanwhile, Knights captain Andrew Johns could find himself in hot water after his expletive-laden outburst at touch judge Matt Cecchin during the final dramatic moments of the match.
Match Review Committee chairman Greg McCallum is sure to have a close look at the incident in Monday's review.
Players can be charged with offensive language by the committee, with a grade two offence carrying a one-match ban.
Manly forwards Kylie Leuluai and Brent Kite will also have an anxious wait this weekend after being put on report for separate high tackles.
Source: AAP
Saturday, August 12, 2006 - 4:15 PM
Manly's vital win over Newcastle has come at a price with tough as nails Sea Eagles skipper Ben Kennedy likely to miss a couple of NRL matches with a quadriceps injury.
While the loss of Kennedy leaves a massive hole in the Manly line-up, the news is better than first thought following initial fears the veteran backrower's season and career could have come to a premature end in the 16-14 win at EnergyAustralia Stadium on Friday night.
Kennedy suffered what he thought was a cork early in the first half, but after trying to run it off for about a minute left the field.
With his side clinging to a slender 10-8 halftime lead he courageously re-entered the contest in the 58th minute but lasted only three minutes, spending the remainder of the match on the bench.
He feared the worst after the match as he sat with a large ice pack strapped to his leg, but Sea Eagles media manager Peter Peters said the Kennedy would be back on the field before the end of the regular season.
"We've just got the results from his scans and he'll only be out for a week or two which is good news," Peters said.
"There was some suggestion he wouldn't play again this season but that's certainly not the case.
"He's been busy getting the scans done today and he's gone home to rest the injury, he'll start work on getting it better tomorrow."
The Sea Eagles play South Sydney and premiership favourites the Bulldogs over the next two weeks.
But knowing Kennedy's determination and ability to play with injury it would take a brave man to tip against the Australian Test lock being on the field for the round 25 Friday night showdown with the Dogs.
While naturally disappointed to lose someone of Kennedy's ability, Sea Eagles halfback Matt Orford said he was pleased to see the side hold on for a win against the Knights without their inspirational leader.
"I just think every bloke that played tonight really stepped up and when BK went off ... we really did miss BK, he's a massive force in this team, but the other blokes picked up the slack and I thought we did well," Orford said.
"He's not going to be here next year so that's a great step, playing a game with so much riding on it, for the guys not to crack under pressure and just to do their job, it's a good sign."
Kennedy's backrow partner Anthony Watmough also suffered a shoulder injury but is expected to be right to take on the Rabbitohs.
Meanwhile, Knights captain Andrew Johns could find himself in hot water after his expletive-laden outburst at touch judge Matt Cecchin during the final dramatic moments of the match.
Match Review Committee chairman Greg McCallum is sure to have a close look at the incident in Monday's review.
Players can be charged with offensive language by the committee, with a grade two offence carrying a one-match ban.
Manly forwards Kylie Leuluai and Brent Kite will also have an anxious wait this weekend after being put on report for separate high tackles.
Source: AAP
