Hughes is set to make the NRL’s fastest ever comeback from the injury.
The doctor who nursed Cooper Cronk through the 2018 grand final with a fractured shoulder blade has told Yahoo Sport Australia he has doubts over Jahrome Hughes‘ ability to survive Friday night’s preliminary final following recent surgery on a broken arm. The Storm have named Hughes to line up against Cronulla at AAMI Park just three weeks after he fractured his left arm in the round 27 loss to Brisbane.
That was his first game back from a shoulder dislocation that saw him miss five games. According to ‘NRL Physio’ Brien Seeney, the fastest return to play from a broken arm was Broncos legend Shane Webcke back in 2000, when he played in the preliminary final after a five-week lay-off.
Hughes’ return would be two weeks earlier than that. Seeney added: “(It) Would be the quickest return we’ve seen for that injury type.” Doctor Ameer Ibrahim was the off-field hero of the Roosters’ 2018 grand final win over Melbourne, helping Cronk play through “11 out of 10 pain” after a week of painkilling injections, infrared saunas, cold lasers, hyperbaric chambers, bone stimulating machines and ice packs.
A sport and exercise physician – and the Roosters’ Chief Medical Officer – Dr Ibrahim likened the halfback’s injury to a motorcycle accident. Talking about Hughes’ injury, Dr Ibrahim told YSA: “It’s hard to tell exactly without seeing x-rays and examining him, but it’s an early return, no doubt about it.”
Dr Ibrahim added: “If he’s had surgery on a fractured radius, (normally) he’s three weeks in post-op with a plate and some screws. It’s different to a shoulder blade injury (that Cronk had).
“There’s no way that the forearm is going to be strong enough to withstand a direct blow as well as a normal forearm (would). He’ll play with all types of strapping and protective guards, but there’s a risk that it’ll re-fracture or even bend with the plate still intact.
“Catching and passing would generally be okay but it’s more about putting any load on it, pushing yourself off the ground or sticking your arm out to tackle somebody. He’s also got the shoulder (issue) in the background.”
Sharks expected to target Jahrome Hughes after injury
Asked how he expected the Sharks’ heavyweight pack to respond if Hughes does play, Dr Ibrahim said with a smile: “I’m sure they will be running at his inside shoulder, no doubt.” The Storm will make a final call on Hughes on Friday, with promising No.7 Jonah Pezet on standby should they decide not to risk the superstar half.
“I’m confident. It’s the medical team that’s going to have to see where I’m at,” Hughes said. “But I’m not someone that’s going to put the team under pressure by coming back early, so I’m going to be making sure I’m right to go.
“If I’m fully fit, I’ll definitely put my hand up but I don’t want to be going in at 50 per cent. It’s not worth it, especially with having someone like Jonah there, being able to fill the void.”