It isn’t just their star halfback, Luke Metcalfe—the New Zealand Warriors are now missing an entire front row following news powerhouse young prop Jacob Laban has suffered a leg fracture and could be out until at least week one of the NRL finals.
Laban was injured in the Round 22 loss to the Dolphins following a dangerous low tackle that saw Felsie Kaufusi sin binned and later suspended for two matches.
The leniency of the sentence has reportedly infuriated Wahs bosses who believe the seriousness of Laban’s injuries weren’t fully taken into account.
The 21-year-old now joins rep forward Mitch Barnett (ACL) and first-choice hooker Wayde Egan (shoulder) in the casualty ward, as Andrew Webster’s side desperately clings to the NRL top four with both the Panthers and Broncos breathing down their necks.
MORE: Is NRL enforcer’s discipline jeopardising Dolphins finals chances?
For Saturday night’s crucial match-up with the third-placed Bulldogs in Sydney, Laban has been replaced by Marata Niukore who has spent the bulk of 2025 in the second row.
Jackson Ford has become the preferred replacement for Barnett and holds his spot in the front row for the fifth straight week.
Cronulla Sharks junior Sam Healey will again start at hooker as Wayde Egan continues to nurse a shoulder complaint with fears the number nine could be out at least until the finals.
In one bit of welcome selection news for the Wahs, exciting playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita has been named to return in the halves alongside Tanah Boyd.