'May never play again': Bennett's shock reveal over Dolphins star

Tom Flegler’s career is reportedly in ‘real jeopardy’ after complications relating to the shoulder injury that has kept him out since Round 5.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett has all but ruled out the front rower returning this season – a real blow considering the injury was initially thought to be nothing more than an ‘innocuous stinger’.

The news adds more context to the club’s decision to sign Tevita Pangai Junior last week, as cover for the rest of the 2024 campaign.

Flegler was one of two high profile Broncos recruited to the Redcliffe-based outfit this season, along with centre Herbie Farnworth.

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The 24-year-old Innisfail product suffered a shoulder injury in just his fourth appearance for the Dolphins and nerve damage has complicated his path to an NRL return. A potential return date is not currently on the table.

“It could be pretty serious,” Bennett confirmed to the Courier Mail and the Australian.

“We don’t think he will play this year and next year is another issue.

“Nerves are a very difficult thing for doctors to treat, so we’re hoping Tom gets back on the field, but we don’t know when that could be.

“The nerve just hasn’t come back to where it should be.

“Hopefully his career is OK, but there is a real chance Tom may not play again.”

Flegler has played 100 first grade games, including 96 with the Broncos, along with three Origin caps for the Maroons.

He signed a lucrative four-year deal on a reported $3 million dollars, making his absence a significant blow for a Dolphins side that currently sits inside the top four.

According to the Courier Mail, the club is pulling out all the stops to solve the medical mysteries of Flegler’s shoulder issue, reportedly attempting red-light therapy (RLT) to increase blood flow and accelerate healing.

He’s also had two nerve-conduction tests in the past two months.

The shoulder has not yet shown sufficient improvement to warrant paving a return pathway – he would risk career-ending damage by getting back on the park with the joint in its current state.

Flegler may face nerve-transfer surgery, which would in essence end any optimism towards a 2024 return.

Flegler is currently training and pushing to get back, but the club is taking the cautious approach.