‘Terrible news’: Dragons confirm crushing double blow as Flanagan’s rebuild hits early hurdle
The Dragons’ pre-season preparations took a major turn for the worse with two new recruits suffering devastating injuries.
Corey Allan and Ronald Volkman will in all likelihood watch the campaign unfold from the sidelines, with the latter requiring shoulder surgery while Allan suffered a ruptured ACL, the Dragons confirmed on Friday.
It is a brutal double blow for new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. Already considered a wooden spoon contender, the Dragons depth has now been severely depleted.
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“This is terrible news both for Corey and the club,” Flanagan said of Allan, who suffered the injury during a routine training drill.
“He had settled in well since joining the club in December and was set to push for a club debut in the backline early in the season.”
The news is especially tough for Volkman as he looks set to be cut from the squad after a routine medical exam revealed the need for surgery.
Volkman’s one-year deal with the Dragons was announced just over a week ago, however according to News Corp his contract hadn’t been officially registered with the NRL yet and it won’t be at all given the injury revelation.
It is a crushing setback for the 21-year-old given he secured an early release from the two years remaining on his contract to sign with the Dragons.
He relocated from New Zealand to begin training with the Dragons in Wollongong this week and was spotted in a yellow bib — which signals contact-free training.
“It’s disappointing for everyone concerned; Ronald’s enthusiasm matched our excitement to welcome him to the Dragons,” CEO Ryan Webb said.
“While football can be unpredictable, we must forge ahead.
“Our sincere wishes for Ronald’s swift recovery and success in the upcoming chapters of his career. At the same time, we’ll work with Corey to get him back to full health as soon as possible.”
Volkman’s next move is unclear.
He was signed as cover for halves Ben Hunt and Kyle Flanagan following the decision to deregister Talatau Amone’s contract after he was found guilty of a hammer attack.
It leaves Flanagan with just Kyle Flanagan and Ben Hunt as out and out halves on the books.
Allan, who only linked up with the Dragons a month ago after leaving the Roosters, sustained the knee injury at training on Thursday as the club anxiously wait for the results of his scan.
Unfortunately for the one-time Maroons back, the Dragons are worried he could require a knee reconstruction.
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