Already struggling with an injury-hit forward pack, Dragons coach Steve Price is now sweating on the fitness of backline duo Brett Morris and Daniel Vidot.
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Club performance director Andrew Gray yesterday confirmed Vidot sustained rib cartilage damage in the 19-18 golden-point loss to South Sydney on Sunday, while Morris hurt his ankle and received attention during the game.
Gray is optimistic both will be fit for Saturday night’s crucial clash with Parramatta at Kogarah.
The concerns follow Michael Weyman’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury, Beau Scott’s dislocated elbow and Josh Miller’s fractured cheek.
‘‘Daniel has a minor rib cartilage injury which we will monitor now over the next few days,’’ Gray said.
‘‘We have done our best to reduce the swelling and will now see how he pulls up. We are fairly hopeful that he will pull up all right and be a good chance against the Parramatta Eels next round.
‘‘Brett’s ankle is presently being monitored following his previous injury to the area alongside his hamstring, but at this stage both are not of major concern.’’
The Dragons return to training at WIN Stadium today, trying to end a three-game losing streak in a showdown with bottom-placed Eels.
Price was pleased with the way his young players stood up against Souths in the absence of Weyman, Scott and NSW State of Origin duo Trent Merrin and Ben Creagh.
Under-20s prop Jack Stockwell made his debut, while Jack De Belin and hooker Cameron King returned to the NRL after a stint with the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup.
Scott is considered an outside chance of returning to take on the Eels, as he regains strength and movement in the elbow he dislocated on Anzac Day.
Gray revealed Weyman’s surgery had been a success.
“Michael’s surgery went very well,” he said. ‘‘His ACL was reconstructed using his hamstring graft and he has started his rehabilitation already.
“He is in a nice positive state of mind and is looking forward to next year.”