Canberra youngster Harry Rushton set for lengthy spell on the sidelines

Canberra Raiders will be without World Cup hopeful Harry Rushton for up to 10 weeks after he suffered a fractured jaw at the weekend.

The former Wigan forward has been ruled out for eight to 10 weeks after fracturing his jaw in their win over North Sydney Bears in the New South Wales Cup on Saturday.

Rushton is expected to return from injury for Round 25 of the NRL season.

The 20-year-old has made three first team appearances for the Raiders since arriving on a three-year deal from Super League giants Wigan ahead of the 2021 season.

Rushton grew up in England having been born in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool. He is of Irish heritage, meaning he could play for England and Ireland on the international stage.

He could represent his English or Irish side of the family at this year’s World Cup if picked by selectors.

Harry Rushton enjoying life Down Under

Speaking to the Behind the Limelight podcast back in March, Rushton said he was loving his time in Australia.

He said: “When I came here I didn’t know anyone but regardless whether they are English, Aussie or wherever they are from, they all really welcomed me here.

“I played at Wigan, that’s where Sutty played and also George Williams when he was here. It was nice to have them here because they were similar to me in that when they came over here they didn’t really know anyone. But all the young and old boys really welcomed me. We are like a family here rather than a club.

“I was pretty nervous back then. I’d only played one Super League game and I hadn’t really trained much first-grade over there but coming here was a big step up. The boys really helped me and I think I’ve changed a lot in them 18 months.”

Rushton played his junior rugby at Shevington Sharks and Wigan St Patricks before progressing through the ranks at the Warriors.