Tonga to miss six weeks with shoulder injury

NORTH Queensland Toyota Cowboys centre Willie Tonga is set to miss six to eight weeks of the NRL season due to a shoulder injury.

It was initially feared the Queensland State of Origin representative could miss the rest of the 2011 season, but orthopaedic surgeon John Maguire today told Tonga that he would not require surgery.

Tonga suffered the injury in the first half of the opening State of Origin match on Wednesday night.

He will not be available for the remainder of the series.

A release with quotes from Tonga and coach Neil Henry will be available later today.
Audio of a short interview with Tonga is available by request.
Video of Tonga talking about his injury will be on www.cowboys.com.au shortly.