Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has given an update on his marquee forward Tom Flegler and the news is not good

Matt Shrivell
The Nightly
Queensland State Of Origin representative Thomas Flegler is struggling with injury.
Queensland State Of Origin representative Thomas Flegler is struggling with injury. Credit: AAP

Queensland and Dolphins star forward Tom Flegler is at a career crossroad as he struggles to recover from a serious shoulder injury.

The big prop is dealing with complications relating to the shoulder issue that has seen him sidelined since Round 5 of the 2024 NRL season.

Dolphins mentor Wayne Bennett who is notoriously circumspect about his playing group, has been forthcoming in his assessment of Flegler’s progress and status for return.

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“It could be pretty serious,” Bennett told The Courier Mail.

“We don’t think he will play this year and next year is another issue.

“Nerves are a very difficult thing for doctors to treat, so we’re hoping Tom gets back on the field, but we don’t know when that could be.

Thomas Flegler.
Injured Dolphins prop Thomas Flegler could miss the rest of the season, coach Wayne Bennett said. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

“The nerve just hasn’t come back to where it should be.

“Hopefully his career is OK, but there is a real chance Tom may not play again.”

The Dolphins recently signed Tevita Pangai Junior to bolster their forward pack for the rest of the 2024 campaign, after Flegler’s continued absence.

Flegler joined the Dolphins on a reported $3m contract from the Broncos, where he played 96 games in the top flight.

According to the Courier Mail, the club is pulling out all the stops to solve the medical mysteries of Flegler’s shoulder issue, reportedly attempting red-light therapy (RLT) to increase blood flow and accelerate healing.

He has also had two nerve conduction tests in the past two months.

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