Sydney Roosters Face Triple Injury Blow
The Sydney Roosters have been hit by a major setback as young forward Blake Steep suffered an ACL injury during the NSW Cup match last weekend. This injury could potentially see him miss the remainder of the NRL season. The team faced a triple injury blow in the same game, with Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton also limping off during the clash against the Broncos.
Nawaqanitawase is set to undergo surgery for an ankle injury and is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks. Meanwhile, Crichton sustained a ‘minor MCL sprain’ and may be out for up to four weeks, despite being named by coach Trent Robinson on Tuesday.
The most significant blow came in the form of Steep, who tore his ACL while playing reserve-grade. The 21-year-old had already played three NRL games this year, starting at lock in Round 1 against the Warriors. He was recently sent back to the NSW Cup and failed to finish the Roosters’ game against Canberra on Sunday. On Monday, the club confirmed the devastating ACL injury, which likely means Steep’s season is over if it’s a full tear.
The Roosters have not provided a timeline for Steep’s return, but a full ACL tear typically requires a 6-9 month recovery period. With the 2026 grand final only six months away, Steep is unlikely to play again this year.
Fans expressed their disappointment on social media, with one writing: “Absolutely gutted for Blake.” Another commented: “Season ending? Heart broken. Wishing Blake the best in recovery.”
Steep has played 28 first-grade games in his young career and is considered one of the Roosters’ most promising emerging forwards. He made his rep debut earlier this year when he represented the Indigenous All-Stars.
Impact on State of Origin Hopes
Nawaqanitawase and Crichton’s injuries have also affected their State of Origin hopes. Nawaqanitawase is no longer a chance to play in Game 1, which would have been his Origin debut for NSW after representing the Kangaroos last year.
Crichton, despite the Roosters not providing a timeline, appears extremely unlikely to be fit. The second-rower has been a mainstay in the Blues team for the last seven years, but Laurie Daley may call on players like Hudson Young, Jacob Preston, and Haumole Olakau’atu if Crichton isn’t fit.
The Roosters stated that Crichton “will continue to work closely with the club’s medical staff, with his availability to be guided by his progress.” Even if he doesn’t miss any time, it would be a major challenge for Daley to carry an injured player.
Additional Setbacks
To compound the Roosters’ troubles, Lindsay Collins will miss the Round 10 game against the Titans due to concussion. However, they will have Victor Radley available after he escaped all charges despite being reported three times against the Broncos.
