NRL 2022: Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr cleared of season ending injury fears, Luke Thompson to return
Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has learned his fate after having scans on an injury that threatened to sideline him for the rest of the NRL season and Rugby League World Cup.
Canterbury winger
Josh Addo-Carr has been cleared of serious injury and prop Luke Thompson is back at Belmore in a double boost for the Bulldogs heading into the final month of the regular season.
Addo-Carr was seen in a moon boot and walking with the aid of crutches on Monday, before being sent for scans on the ankle and backside he injured in the club’s loss to South Sydney on Sunday night.
There were initial fears that he may be sidelined for the remainder of the season, which would have been a blow to not just the Bulldogs but also Australian coach Mal Meninga as he steps up planning for the World Cup.
However, it is understood Addo-Carr received the results of the scans on Monday night and was cleared of serious injury.
The flying winger had a mixed start to the year but has rediscovered his best form in recent weeks and Meninga had already indicated that Addo-Carr was part of his plans even though he was overlooked by NSW coach Brad Fittler for the State of Origin series.
Addo-Carr responded to that snubbing by producing some of his best performances and although he has been cleared of major injury, there is no certainty he will be available this weekend given he was struggling to walk on Monday.
Thompson is also in contention for the England side for the World Cup but his availability will hinge on how he continues to recover from a nasty concussion he suffered in round 12 against St George Illawarra.
Thompson suffered symptoms which prevented his return and then flew to England to be with his family for personal reasons, meaning he has spent nearly two months on the sidelines.
It is understood his comeback date will hinge on talks with the team’s medical staff over his health given the issues with concussion he suffered prior to flying home.
Thompson has endured a mixed time since moving to the Bulldogs - at one point there were suggestions we would be free to leave should another club be willing to pick up his sizeable salary.
However, it is understood the Bulldogs are now open to extending Thompsons deal beyond next season as they look to retain the Englishman beyond 2023.
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