The Bulldogs have been hit with a horrible blow ahead of the season opener with new recruit Leo Thompson set to miss 10 weeks of action after withdrawing from the Maori side. This follows a blow for the Warriors with Te Maire Martin also set to join some of his teammates on the sideline after the All-Stars clash.
Thompson was set to add grunt to the Bulldogs’ forward pack in 2026 with the New Zealand star joining Cameron Ciraldo’s side from the Knights. However, Thompson withdrew from the Maori side for the All-Stars clash after concerns of calf tightness.
And a scan has left Bulldogs fans stunned with the front-rower now set to spend 10 weeks on the sideline with a calf tear. Canterbury Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould confirmed the sad news, but it appears the prop won’t require surgery.
‘NRL Physio’ Brien Seeney claimed Thompson is extremely unfortunate considering the scans were initially reported as a precaution. The Bulldogs are expected to fly out to the US this week where they will play the Dragons in the opening round.
In better news for the Bulldogs, Matt Burton appears to be fine for the trip after coming from the field in his side’s NRL trial against the Knights. Burton clutched at his hamstring and limped off the field. There were major concerns around the star joining the side on the plane this week, but it appears he will travel over with the Bulldogs with the five-eighth set to line-up in round one.
Warriors take huge hit to playmaking stocks
And in another blow from the pre-season All-Stars clash, Martin is set to spend plenty of time on the sideline after breaking his leg in the clash. The Warriors’ depth in the halves has taken another blow with Martin joining Luke Metcalf on the sidelines.
Martin collided with Maori teammate Briton Nikora in the second-half during the game. He was taken from the field, but managed to walk off. Seeney suggested it could have been a ‘potential fibula fracture’, which could see him out for around six to eight weeks.
Horrible news for the Bulldogs with scans revealing a grade 3 calf strain for Leo Thompson – expected recovery time of 10 weeks.
Grade 3 indicates a full thickness tear of the muscle – thankfully doesn’t require surgery but still a lengthy healing time. Such a rough result when… pic.twitter.com/zjRjevrjWH
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) February 17, 2026
This leaves the Warriors halves depth in a worrying situation. Metcalf is expected to miss around seven weeks of the current season after rupturing his ACL last year. Chanel Harris-Tavita is also reportedly dealing with calf tightness.
Tannah Boyd is the likely No.7 come round one, but NSW Cup star Jett Cleary is also waiting in the wings. Martin’s injury is the latest blow for the Warriors after their 2025 season was derailed with setbacks.
