The Canberra Raiders are set to be down a pair of regular starters, with Bailey Simonsson and Elliott Whitehead to be sidelined.
While Whitehead is only expected to miss one game, the news is far worse for the Canberra fullback, with Simonsson suffering a toe injury. The double blow adds insult to injury for the Raiders after they were hammered by the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday night.
It's understood that Simonsson, who failed to finish the game against the Titans, has avoided surgery, but will take anywhere between four and six weeks to rehabilitate the injury and be available for selection again. It sets his estimated range of return between Round 21 and 23, which is a sizeable chunk of the remainder of the season, and will impact any late push for Ricky Stuart's side to play finals.
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Simonsson has been in excellent form since being moved to the back following the season-ending injury to Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and axing of his original replacement Caleb Aekins. In a rough season for the green machine, the youngster has been one of their only bright spots, and his loss will undoubtedly hurt the club.
Whitehead is far for more fortunate with his injury. The English second rower, widely held as one of the most consistent in the competition, came off with a minor shoulder injury and head gash against the Titans.
He is fully expected to return in Round 18 though for Canberra's clash with the Cronulla Sharks at home.
Canberra will take on the Manly Sea Eagles on Thursday night without the duo.
