Blacklock out for two weeks as
casualty list mounts

Dragons Winger Nathan Blacklock will out of action for two weeks. Blacklock who was stretchered from Brookvale Oval yesterday has strained his posterior cruciate ligament.

After scoring his 100th career try, the leading try scorer for the past three seasons went down in the 71st minute after falling awkwardly in tackle, causing a painful knee strain. The injury will see Nathan Blacklock miss his first game in over four years of top level Rugby League.

Meanwhile, Mark Gasnier who was previously thought to be fit for next Sunday's round eight match against the Raiders has now been ruled out and is unlikely for round nine. Gasnier suffered a foot injury in round four and now looks certain to miss out on State of Origin selection.

Lance Thompson has been recovering from a thigh injury he recieved in round two. He is considered a chance to return for next Sunday's match at WIN Stadium. Certain to return is hooker, Mark Riddell who has completed his four match suspension.

During yesterday's First Division match, fullback Reece Simmonds suffered a broken leg. Simmonds will be operated on tomorrow and will be out of action for up to three months.

To add to the Saints' woes, Jason Ryles has been charged with a grade four careless tackle charge and may be sidelined for up to four weeks. Ryles' arm came into contact with the head of forward Gary Winter during Saints 22-18 loss to the Eagles at Brookvale yesterday. Winter was knocked out as he fell into Ryles. The Dragons are considering defending the charge and will advise the NRL of a decision tomorrow.