The New Zealand Warriors have received very bad news for their National Rugby League season, with prop Iulio Afoa, commonly known as Bunty, being ruled out for its duration. Their hopes for 2020 have been hit hard with the loss of one of the most talented forwards in the team.
Afoa was ruled out for the season after suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, during a contact training session recently. The 23-year old player was supposed to part of the Nines team but didn’t make the trip and it’s been ruled highly unlikely that he will be able to return to the field before the NRL campaign comes to an end. He’s scheduled to undergo an operation to treat the injury soon.
Not only is he one of the most formidable runners in the squad with a ball in his hands, Afoa, at 1.83 metres tall and weighing 111 kilograms, also somehow packs this size and bulk into a lightweight performance on the pitch. His absence is going to add pressure on Agnatius Paasi and Leeson Ah Mau, as they’ll have to share the load, and may also mean that Sam Lisone gets back in the running.
Lisone played 11 times in 2019 but was never viewed as a regular player and there was even speculation that he might depart in the off-season, with rumours that certain Super League clubs were interested in using the 25-year old. But Afoa’s terrible setback means a new opportunity for him.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Betway |  | 5/5 | Up to $60 NZD | Bet now Review |
More About Gary Hicks
When it comes to knowing what’s going on, on the track, field or any other sporting arena, Gary Hicks is your man. With an almost unrivalled passion for journalism, sports and betting Gary decided to combine his love of all 3 and share his expertise with the world.
In the last few years Gary has risen through the ranks and prides himself on always keeping a finger on the pulse of what’s hot and happening in the sports betting world. Gary is the resident news expert at OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz and his articles make for invaluable fodder for any avid punter.
You May Also Like:
SA Six Nations Plan Could Spark Bidding War
If South Africa were to join the Six Nations, such a move could potentially spark a bidding war to host the British & Irish Lions tour in 2033. The list ….
Kawa Leauma Dies After Freak Accident
Tragic news confirmed on Wednesday is that New Zealand lock Kawa Leauma has died of the head injuries sustained during an accident in Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Spanish Rugby ….
Kawa Leauma Suffers Serious Head Injuries
New Zealand rugby player Kawa Leauma is reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after falling eight metres. Leauma, who is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Amsterdam, is said ….
Quade Cooper May Soon Call Australia Home
Wallabies star Quade Cooper told the media this week that he will be taking another citizenship test– a test that will hopefully allow him to finally call Australia his home. ….
World Rugby Says About Dementia
World Rugby has reportedly now told players that head impacts and concussions aren’t the only factors known to contribute to the early onset of dementia. The organisation allegedly said this ….