Ex-Warrington Wolves man set for sideline stint after limping off in NRL match

Former Warrington Wolves forward Matty Nicholson has been in the form of his career since his move to the NRL in the off-season, but he could be spending some time on the sidelines.

Nicholson limped off during Canberra Raiders’ 32-20 defeat against Canterbury Bulldogs with what looks like a syndesmosis injury.

If sprained, it would see the 21-year-old miss two to four weeks, but it would be double the time out if the ankle injury requires surgery.

It would be a huge blow for the Raiders as Nicholson has been one of their standout performers since his debut in round two and has played every round since.

He’s made nine appearances so far for Canberra, scoring five tries and would be a huge miss for the Raiders.

NRL impressed by Nicholson’s attitude and tip him for England starting spot

As one of their starting second rowers, fans and pundits alike down under have noticed how well he’s adapted to the NRL, impressed by his metre-making and willingness to tackle in defence.

His performances since moving to Canberra have surely caught the eye of England head coach Shaun Wane too, and Nicholson is touted as being one of Wane’s starting second rowers for the upcoming Ashes series.

At just 21, he’s tipped as one of England’s rising stars on the international scene, and a second-row partnership of Nicholson and Wigan Warriors’ Junior Nsemba could be England’s set pair for the next ten years.

Canberra’s defeat was their first loss in six matches, following a five-game winning streak starting in April’s round five.

However, with a 20-0 lead at half-time, the Bulldogs scored 32 unanswered points in the second half, which equalled their biggest turnaround since 2001.

The loss meant that Canberra slipped down to fourth in the NRL standings, whilst Canterbury retained their spot at the top of the table.

The Raiders next face Gold Coast Titans in round 11 of the NRL on Sunday 18th May.

Matty Nicholson will go for scans after suffering an ankle injury. Post match the Raiders indicated he was mostly unable to weight bear & they suspected a syndesmosis injury.

If minor/moderate sprain many able to return in 2-4 weeks, but out to 6-8 weeks if surgery required. pic.twitter.com/hTGPJCNSnd

— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 11, 2025