Wests Tigers have been handed a significant blow with winger Lote Tuqiri likely to be sidelined for at least a month due to his ankle injury.
Tuqiri damaged his ankle just six minutes into the Tigers' clash with Newcastle on Monday night - his return match from a broken arm - and while he was subsequently named to play the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday, scan results have ended any chance of that. The scans show Tuqiri suffered a high ankle sprain, which could keep him out for up to six weeks.
It was hoped that the damage was not as bad as first thought when Tuqiri was taken from the field, but he will have to wear a support boot for the next three weeks, which suggests he will be sidelined for a month at least. The Australian representative was playing just his fourth match of the season in his comeback game on Monday.
At least he will be able to develop full confidence in his arm, which was broken in round three against Canberra. Tuqiri's return against the Knights had countered the loss of his replacement on the left-wing, Matt Utai, who also broke his arm, against St George Illawarra in round 12.
The Tigers have had a wretched run with injuries but had hoped to be turning the corner after key second-rower Gareth Ellis (ankle) also returned against the Knights. Todd Payten (ankle) and Chris Lawrence (hip dislocation) remain sidelined, although the latter has started running again.
Fullback Wade McKinnon is almost certain to return against the Warriors following his hamstring problems, while five-eighth Benji Marshall suffered no significant damage despite being knocked around against the Knights.
[Source](http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/ankle-injury-sidelines-tuqiri-for-a-month-20110608-1ft7x.html)
