The New Zealand Warriors have received very bad news for their National Rugby League season, with prop Iulio Afoa, commonly known as Bunty, being ruled out for its duration. Their hopes for 2020 have been hit hard with the loss of one of the most talented forwards in the team.
Afoa was ruled out for the season after suffering a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, during a contact training session recently. The 23-year old player was supposed to part of the Nines team but didn’t make the trip and it’s been ruled highly unlikely that he will be able to return to the field before the NRL campaign comes to an end. He’s scheduled to undergo an operation to treat the injury soon.
Not only is he one of the most formidable runners in the squad with a ball in his hands, Afoa, at 1.83 metres tall and weighing 111 kilograms, also somehow packs this size and bulk into a lightweight performance on the pitch. His absence is going to add pressure on Agnatius Paasi and Leeson Ah Mau, as they’ll have to share the load, and may also mean that Sam Lisone gets back in the running.
Lisone played 11 times in 2019 but was never viewed as a regular player and there was even speculation that he might depart in the off-season, with rumours that certain Super League clubs were interested in using the 25-year old. But Afoa’s terrible setback means a new opportunity for him.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | BetEasy |  | 5/5 | 100% Match Bonus | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Ladbrokes | | 4.9/5 | 100% Match up to $250 | Bet now Review |
| 3 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.8/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Lauren Ball
An avid writer and sports betting enthusiast, Lauren Ball has found the ideal way to combine the two. As a regular contributor and resident OnlineBettingNZ.co.nz expert, Lauren is now putting her considerable wisdom to good use, and keeps punters informed as to what’s hot and happening in the online betting and sporting world.
From the latest sports results to any upsets or developments in the betting world, Lauren makes it her business to know what’s going on in the industry and share it with those who have the same interests.
You May Also Like:
Hurricanes Spent Time Away Reflecting
The Hurricanes say that instead of lazing about waiting for better days, they’ve made good use of their time away from the field by taking stock of where they currently ….
Sevens Series Cancellations Means NZ Wins
New Zealand has been awarded the Men’s and Women’s World Sevens Series titles. This is due to the contest’s remaining rounds getting cancelled because of ongoing issues related to the ….
Upcoming All Blacks Vs Kangaroos Blockbuster Game
New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that talks are taking place regarding staging a cross-code game between our All Blacks and the Kangaroos from Australia. Chief Executive of NZR Mark Robinson ….
Tuipulotu Back in the New Zealand Rugby Fold
There was no upside for Kiwi Rugby fans when the All Blacks got trounced at the Yokohama Stadium Rugby World Cup last year. Trying to find the positive side of ….
New Zealand is Ready to Welcome Back Sports Fans
New Zealand Rugby has announced that there are no limits in place for crowd numbers over the opening weekend of the Super Rugby Aotearoa. Fans are going to be allowed ….