O'Meley could be gone for 16
weeks, Tate might be back in two

In another devastating blow for Canterbury, prop Mark O'Meley will be sidelined for a month longer than initially thought, after further scans on his knee revealed the full extent of ligament damage. It could be up to 16 weeks before he gets back on the field.

The original diagnosis between four to six weeks when he injured his leg in Australia's rugby league Test win over New Zealand last Friday night, with the extension on his returned pushed out yesterday.

He will be sorely missed by the Doggies, who are also without Willie Mason and Sonny Bill Williams and have been struggling to find form.

At the other end of the scale, a career threatening shoulder injury to Brisbane centre Brent Tate is set to have a remarkable turnaround with coach Wayne Bennett stating that he is confident the ex-Test centre can be back in one or two weeks.

It was thought the injury may force the powerful centre to retire following surgery, however Bennett says that surgery is an absolute last option for Tate, who is regaining strength in his shoulder.