Beau Ryan has backed his injured West Tigers teammate Lote Tuqiri to return bigger and better from his broken arm.
Tuqiri broke his upper left arm in Friday night’s 32-20 loss to the Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium after a freak collision with teammate Adam Blair.
And while it was clear he would miss the rest of the season, it has left most wondering whether it was the last time he would play in the NRL with the dual international coming off contract at the end of this season.
Ryan however is certain 32-year-old Tuqiri isn’t done just yet.
“I’d definitely like to see him stay and I’m pretty confident he will,” Ryan said.
“He’s got a lot of footy left in him. Two years ago he was playing for Australia, a lot of people forget that. He was the best winger in the world.
“So I’m backing him to bounce back and I’m sure he will.”
Ryan said not having the 191cm, 102kg winger on the field for the clash with Penrith at Campbelltown on Saturday will be a massive loss.
“It’s going to be disappointing for sure,” Ryan said.
“Lote is is a big part of our side and he was hitting some form.
“I went and saw him on Saturday and he was in good spirits with his family so I’m confident he can return stronger and have a big year for us next year.”
The Tigers are also likely to be without Blair who was on Monday charged with grade one dangerous contact with unnecessary pressure for a tackle on the legs of Bulldogs centre Josh Morris on Friday night.
Blair will miss the match on Saturday if he takes the early plea.
It is a blow for the Tigers who have fallen outside of the top eight after three straight losses.