Cameron McInnes, the captain of Cronulla, has suffered a significant setback after being diagnosed with a ruptured ACL following a knee injury sustained during a match against the Titans. The 31-year-old lock-forward had previously endured a similar injury that sidelined him for the entire 2021 season while with the Dragons before he joined the Sharks.
Despite the arduous recovery process that lies ahead, McInnes remains determined to continue his playing career. In an interview with 9News Sydney, he expressed his commitment, stating, “There’s no thought in my head that my footy career is over – I’ve just got to work hard and get back on the field.” He emphasised the importance of focusing on his teammates and their upcoming finals, as he aims to keep their spirits high despite his own challenges.
McInnes reflected on his injury, acknowledging that while it’s difficult, injuries are an unfortunate reality in the sport. He highlighted his desire to ensure that the team remains motivated and hungry for success in the remaining games before finals.
Interestingly, he chose to delay his scans until after his daughter’s fifth birthday, cherishing that special family moment before addressing his injury. “I was able to park everything for that day and have a good day … that was special,” he shared.
With McInnes out of action, Cronulla faces a considerable gap in their forward line as they approach the final stretch of the regular season. The absence of their captain opens up an opportunity for another player to take on a leadership role temporarily. Blayke Brailey and Addin Fonua-Blake are seen as potential candidates to step up. McInnes has assured that he will support whoever is appointed, affirming that they will have the team’s complete backing.
As McInnes gears up for a challenging rehabilitation, his resolve and leadership will likely continue to inspire his teammates, reinforcing the spirit and ambition within the Cronulla Sharks squad.