Mitchell Moses will miss the rest of the Rugby League World Cup after scans revealed a high-grade muscle tear in his lower leg, a major blow to the Kangaroos’ title defence. Canberra Raiders five-eighth Ethan Strange has been called into Australia’s 23-man squad to replace the Parramatta playmaker.
The NRL confirmed on Saturday afternoon that Moses suffered the injury during Australia’s 24-22 win over New Zealand in the tournament opener at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night.
The 32-year-old halfback played on for several minutes in the first half before leaving the field less than two minutes into the second half, and was unable to return. He was sent for an MRI scan in Sydney on Friday and has since been diagnosed with the tear.
AAP reported the injury is to Moses’ calf, and that his loss is a blow to a Kangaroos side already without Nathan Cleary because of a serious leg injury.
‘Very bravely tried to play through’
Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters said Moses was understandably disappointed not to be able to contribute for the rest of the campaign.
“Mitch made a wonderful contribution to our World Cup preparations during the camp in Sydney and very bravely tried to play through the injury until he eventually had to come from the field on Thursday night,” Walters said.
Read more: Jack Bostock Hat-Trick Seals Kangaroos 24-22 World Cup Win
“He is naturally disappointed at the outcome today and the fact that he tried to stay out there when he was clearly injured shows just what it means to him to represent his country and play in the Kangaroos jersey. We wish Mitch all the best with his recovery.”
Strange called in as Walters reshuffles
Strange will join the Kangaroos squad in Brisbane in the coming days, according to the NRL.
Read more: Kangaroos Team Named: Walsh Picked Over Tedesco, Moses at Halfback
AAP reported that Walters is set to rotate his squad for the next game, with Sam Walker and Tom Dearden to form a new halves pairing.
Moses switched allegiance to play for Australia at this tournament after captaining Lebanon at the 2022 World Cup, according to AAP.
What’s next
Australia’s next pool match is against Fiji at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday 25 October.
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