Force feel the pain for hard luck story Izack Rodda

Wed, Feb 28, 2024, 4:18 PM
Justin Chadwick - AAP

Western Force coach Simon Cron says Izack Rodda's untimely quad injury is hard on the team, and he'll take a careful approach with the star Wallabies lock.

Rodda was initially named for last week's clash with the Hurricanes, but he was forced to withdraw after injuring himself at training just two days before the game.

The 27-year-old, who has been sidelined for most of the past 18 months due to stress fractures in his right foot, won't be available for Friday night's clash in Melbourne or next week's encounter with the ACT Brumbies.

Rodda is also unlikely to return for the home matches against Moana Pasifika (March 15) or the Queensland Reds (March 23).

"It's hard on him, and hard on the team," Cron said.

"They're talking about that time (of three to four weeks). You've just got to take it one week at a time with Izack, and make sure he's getting better each week."

Rodda's injury adds to a growing casualty ward.

Prop Marley Pearce broke his nose last week while attempting a tackle that also resulted in him copping a four-match suspension.

Fellow Force props Siosifa Amone (thumb, 5-7 weeks), Harry Hoopert (knee, 3-4 months) and Angus Wagner (knee, first half of the season) are also missing.

Lock Felix Kalapu (hamstring, first half of the season) and playmaker Reesjan Pasitoa (elbow, 9-11 weeks) are also among the walking wounded.

New captain Jeremy Williams, who missed the 44-14 loss to the Hurricanes due to concussion, returns against the Rebels.

The Force head to AAMI Park looking to avenge last year's loss, going down 52-14 in their penultimate game of 2023 to halt their finals momentum after two straight wins.