In a challenging turn of events, Cronulla Sharks centre Annessa Biddle is racing against time to return for the remainder of the season after dislocating her elbow in a match against the Gold Coast Titans. The injury occurred during a collision with teammate Georgia Hale, leaving Biddle in considerable pain as she lay on the field at Shark Park, attended to by medical staff.
Allana Ferguson, a former league player, observed that Biddle’s reaction was out of character, noting her toughness while expressing hope that the injury is not as severe as it appeared. Typically, the recovery time for a dislocated elbow can vary, with some cases necessitating surgical intervention. Marlee Silva from Nine optimistically remarked that Biddle may still return before the season concludes.
Biddle’s injury adds to the Sharks’ concerns, particularly as captain Tiana Penitani Gray faces scrutiny regarding a hip-drop tackle she made during the match. The incident occurred while Penitani Gray was attempting to halt a breakaway by Shaylee Bent, leading to questions about the legality of the tackle, especially since her weight appeared to already be on the ground when the tackle was executed.
Commentators weighed in on the tackle, debating whether it meets the criteria for a hip-drop. Johnathan Thurston highlighted the difficulty of the situation, expressing sympathy for Penitani Gray as she was simply trying to maintain her hold on her opponent.
The match itself was tightly contested, with both teams struggling to score in the first half—a rarity in the competition’s history. The Titans’ defence stood firm, testing the Sharks’ offensive capabilities, while debutant Caitlan Johnston-Green, who is only 11 weeks postpartum, made a significant contribution to the Sharks’ efforts. Johnston-Green shared her surprise at returning to play so soon after childbirth, expressing gratitude for the support she received from the medical team.
In summary, Biddle’s potential absence and Penitani Gray’s predicament present significant challenges for the Sharks as they aim to navigate the remainder of the season.