NRL trials: Scott Drinkwater hit with cruel injury blow with confirmed torn pec

Michael Di Lonardo

NRL trials: Scott Drinkwater hit with cruel injury blow with confirmed torn pec image

Melbourne's quest to fill Billy Slater's shoes has been hit with a major setback with rookie Scott Drinkwater confirmed to have suffered a torn pec in Melbourne's trial loss to North Queensland on Saturday.

Drinkwater, earmarked as a hot candidate for the rookie of the year award, appeared to aggravate the muscle in a tackle attempt while chasing down an attacking Storm kick.


The club were quick to provide supporters with an early assessment, suggesting the 21-year-old was due to spend some time on the sidelines.


Their assessment was accurate - on Monday, the club confirmed Drinkwater will have to go under the knife and is expected to miss up to four months of action.


 

Drinkwater was a star in both of the club's trials against New Zealand and North Queensland, scoring Melbourne's only try in the 14-6 defeat to the Cowboys in Mackay.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy will call on Maori All Stars playmaker Jahrome Hughes, who was rested for the trial after receiving a knock at training.

Melbourne will play in the 2019 NRL season's curtain raiser against Brisbane on March 14.

Michael Di Lonardo

Michael Di Lonardo Photo