The future of Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam with the Wests Tigers is uncertain as he continues to battle a persistent knee injury. The 31-year-old center has already missed two pre-season matches and is contemplating a medical retirement that would bring a premature conclusion to his impressive NRL career.
Olam, who previously earned the Dally M Center of the Year title, has been undergoing numerous treatments for his long-term knee issues, including platelet-rich plasma injections. His injury troubles date back to his time with the Melbourne Storm, culminating in an off-season surgery that currently hampers his performance.
In the coming weeks, Tigers management plans to hold discussions aimed at determining the best course of action for Olam, particularly in light of how a potential retirement may affect the team’s salary cap. This move could be crucial as the Tigers are also looking to offload prop David Klemmer.
Adding to the Tigers’ injury woes, center Brent Naden has received positive news after suffering a dislocated kneecap during a trial game against Parramatta. Initial concerns of a significant ACL injury were alleviated, with expectations that Naden will be sidelined for a period of six to eight weeks.
As the Tigers navigate the challenges posed by injuries to both Olam and Naden, they are bracing for their season opener against Newcastle next Friday. Adam Doueihi is set to take one of the center positions, while Starford To’a is likely to step in for Olam if he is unable to play.
Olam’s journey from the PNG Hunters to the NRL reflects not only his talent but also his resilience, making the possibility of a medical retirement particularly heartbreaking. Since joining the Tigers from Melbourne, he has played just 13 games, yet his influence on the team and the wider NRL community has been significant.
Looking ahead, there is optimism for the rugby league landscape in Papua New Guinea, especially with initiatives aiming to establish an NRL team in the country by 2028. This commitment to fostering local talent and creating clearer pathways for young players indicates a promising future for the sport in the region.
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