Scans have revealed Josh Dugan could return in three weeks, dismissing fears the Canberra Raiders star would be out for the rest of the NRL season.
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Dugan will be sidelined for the next three to four weeks with a medial ligament strain to his ankle suffered in last weekend’s 40-18 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys.
The NSW Origin representative has been cleared of a syndesmosis injury, cartilage or tendon damage, which would have rubbed him out for the remaining two months of the competition.
The Raiders will name their side for Monday night’s match against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Canberra Stadium at 4pm today.
There will be at least four changes to the team beaten in Townsville, with forwards Trevor Thurling (shoulder) and Joel Thompson (hand) joining Dugan in the casualty ward.
The Raiders will also be without Queensland State of Origin front-rower David Shillington, with Josh McCrone or Tom Learoyd-Lahrs expected to take over the captaincy.
Utility Shaun Berrigan will return to full training tomorrow and could make his comeback from a torn bicep against the Dragons.
Kiwi international Bronson Harrison (hamstring) and second-rowers Joe Picker and Jarrad Kennedy (skin infections) will be assessed later in the week.
