Jacob Liddle, the St. George Illawarra Dragons hooker, was forced from the field during a match on Saturday after sustaining a lower leg injury. The incident occurred as Liddle was seen being helped by trainers to the sheds, with the extent of the injury not immediately confirmed by the club.
Liddle, 29, joined the Dragons in 2023 after stints with the Wests Tigers and has been a regular starter at hooker this season. His injury comes at a crucial point in the NRL season as clubs jostle for finals positions. The Dragons have relied heavily on Liddle's work rate in the middle of the field, and his absence could force a reshuffle of their spine.
The club is expected to provide a medical update once scans are completed, with lower leg injuries often ranging from minor corked muscles to more serious fractures or ligament damage. The timing of the injury is particularly concerning given the demanding nature of the NRL fixture schedule.
While no official prognosis has been released, early signs suggest Liddle may be sidelined for a period. The Dragons' medical staff will monitor the injury closely, and fans will be waiting for updates on his recovery timeline.
Liddle has played over 100 NRL games and is known for his high work rate and ability to get through tackles. His leadership in the middle third will be missed if he is ruled out for an extended period.