Canterbury Bulldogs versatile player Jaeman Salmon will be sidelined for his first NRL game of the season due to a hospitalization caused by a staph infection. In his debut year at the club after transitioning from Penrith to reunite with former Panthers assistant turned Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo, the 25-year-old had been a consistent presence on the field. However, Salmon’s absence will be felt during the Magic Round clash against Canberra at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Friday evening, following his diagnosis with a staph infection earlier in the week, which required a day-long hospital stay.
Initially named in the second row for the game, Salmon’s setback forced a lineup change, with Jacob Preston stepping in to fill his position. Preston, who started the first four games of the season in the No.12 jersey, now has an opportunity to showcase his skills in a pivotal match where a win would propel the Bulldogs above the Raiders on the ladder and into the top eight.
Meanwhile, the excitement of Magic Round was tempered by news of Brisbane Broncos fullback Reece Walsh’s knee injury ruling him out of the Friday night match against Manly. Selwyn Cobbo will step into the role, with Josiah Karapani making his debut in the centres.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters expressed confidence in Karapani’s abilities, praising his recent form improvement. Walters also assured fans that Walsh’s absence is likely temporary, with Jock Madden set to take on an extended role at No.7 in the captain’s absence due to a ruptured biceps.
Injuries are not exclusive to the Broncos, with Manly also facing setbacks, including the hamstring injury sidelining Tom Trbojevic. However, the Sea Eagles will welcome back Haumole Olokau’atu from suspension, hoping to benefit from his physicality and skill on the field. Coach Anthony Seibold expressed confidence in Tolutau Koula, who will fill in at fullback for his 50th NRL game, highlighting his potential and versatility.