Gold Coast has come through Saturday’s practice match against the Brisbane Lions with no major injury concerns, as preparations continue for their JLT Community Series opener in Mackay.

Ruckman Tom Nicholls and recruit Jordan Murdoch were both treated for minor corks after the match but are expected to be available for selection when the SUNS host the Western Bulldogs at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay this Sunday evening.

“Tom Nicholls had a pretty significant calf cork which caused him some discomfort over the weekend,” Gold Coast’s Head Physiotherapist Lindsay Bull told the Alpha Sport Injury Update.

“We’ll manage that pretty closely over the next few days and aim to get him up for selection for this week.” 

Bull said Murdoch has recovered well from a corked quad and isn’t expected to miss any game time.

“Jordan Murdoch had a little quad cork which has come up really nicely after the game and he’ll be available for selection this weekend.”

Incumbent defender Jesse Joyce, who missed Saturday’s practice match in favour of resting his knee, is set to also be in the frame to play JLT1. 

“Jesse landed awkwardly on his knee a couple of weeks ago at training, so we’ve just modified what drills he goes in and out of at training since then,” Bull said.

“Pleasingly, he’ll train fully this week and be available for selection this weekend as well.”

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