Bulldogs Fullback Faces Lengthy Absence Due to Abdominal Injury

In a blow to the high-flying Canterbury Bulldogs, fullback Connor Tracey is expected to miss at least three weeks following a serious abdominal injury. The incident occurred after Tracey played the full 80 minutes in the Bulldogs' Round 21 victory over Manly on Sunday, where he made two line breaks and recorded 307 run metres.

However, Tracey experienced severe pain after the match, and the club initially feared he had suffered a potentially season-ending hernia. While that has since been cleared, the Bulldogs have revealed that Tracey is dealing with an issue with an abdominal artery that will require an extended break from the game.

Bulldogs boss Phil Gould has suggested that Tracey's finals campaign may even be in doubt due to the nature of the injury. Gould explained that Tracey had been managing an abdominal strain over recent weeks and was sent to the hospital for scans, with the club worried he would need surgery. Fortunately, surgery is not required, but Tracey will need three weeks of complete rest before he can even return to light training.

With six rounds remaining before the NRL finals series begins, the Bulldogs are hopeful that Tracey will be back in time to contribute to their push for the playoffs. However, Gould acknowledged that the situation is "bad luck" for both the player and the team.