St George Illawarra Dragons captain Ben Creagh has been officially ruled out for at least one month after scans confirmed he has sustained fractures in his lower back.
The Dragons skipper suffered the ailment during the 12-4 loss to the Melbourne Storm at Jubilee Oval, Kogarah on Monday and has undergone scans in the past days to determine the full extent of the injury.
“Ben sustained three transverse process fractures in his back which is a significant injury and he will be out for at least four to six weeks,” said Dragons Physiotherapist Dan Lawson.
“We expected the injury to be in one of his levels within his lower back but to have the results state he has fractures to three separate levels was surprising.
“The amount of pain that he would have been experiencing on the field would have been significant and for him to stay out there and play the game the way that he did was a real testament to his character.
“The rehabilitation is fairly slow early on and in the first week he will not be able to do any exercise at all.
“Following that period we will start to have him undertake some low-intensity exercises before he is gradually eased back into running and ultimately weights and full contact.”
Dragons Coach Paul McGregor is yet to determine and name a replacement Captain and lock for the clash against Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium on Monday.
Dragons fullback Josh Dugan (ankle) will continue to be monitored throughout the week.
