The Sydney Roosters have confirmed that forward Egan Butcher has sustained a full ACL rupture.
This serious injury will keep Butcher out for the remainder of the season, with an expected recovery time of nine to twelve months.
Consequently, Butcher is unlikely to return to training before Christmas and will be in a race to be fit for the start of the 2025 NRL season, where he is still under contract with the Roosters.
The injury occurred during the Roosters’ Round 12 win against the Canberra Raiders, a game they dominated.
Butcher, coming off the bench for Trent Robinson’s side, played only 12 minutes before the injury forced him out.
This season, Butcher has made eight appearances for the Roosters, bringing his career total to 56. Despite limited minutes, he has made a significant impact.
His absence will necessitate coach Robinson finding a second-row replacement. Sitili Tupouniua is expected to return soon from a concussion, and Siua Wong has been on the fringe of the top 17.
Robinson must make a quick decision, as the Roosters face the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 13 before a Round 14 bye.
Additionally, the Roosters need more forward replacements this week, with Lindsay Collins and Spencer Leniu selected for their states in Game 1 of the Origin series.
Terrell May is likely to start, opening up another bench spot.
