NRL: Asotasi to miss four weeks

Roy Asotasi suffered a shoulder injury in South Sydney’s victory against the Tigers. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - South Sydney captain Roy Asotasi will miss up to four weeks with a shoulder injury suffered in Sunday's 50-10 thrashing of NRL rivals the Wests Tigers.

Asotasi, who was making his return from a knee injury, underwent scans on Monday which showed he had suffered local nerve damage.

The injury is not as bad as had been feared and the Kiwi prop will avoid surgery.

Newcastle have also received some bad news with prop Evarn Tuimavave ruled out for the season and requiring surgery after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Hooker Isaac De Gois suffered rib cartilage damage and will be monitored this week.

He is some chance of playing in Friday night's match against the Tigers at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

Centre Junior Sa'u is expected to recover from a hip problem, while fullback Shannon McDonnell needs an arthroscopy on a meniscus problem in his knee.

The Tigers received further bad news off the back of Sunday's 50-10 towelling at the hands of South Sydney with backrower Liam Fulton (shoulder) out for 4-6 weeks while centre Blake Ayshford (groin) is going to miss at least four games.

The Warriors received positive news with scans clearing winger Manu Vatuvei of a fracture in his left leg.

Vatuvei was returning from a lay-off with a hamstring injury in Saturday's win over North Queensland.

CT scans have shown no sign of a fracture but Vatuvei may require an MRI scan if his leg does not settle down this week.

Sydney Roosters prop Lopini Paea has an AC joint injury but should be right after this week's bye to take on Gold Coast on the Monday night of round 12.

Halfback Mitchell Pearce is also expected to return from a shoulder injury in the clash with the Titans.

- AAP