Broekhoff Out 2-3 Weeks

South East Melbourne Phoenix star Ryan Broekhoff will miss the next 2-3 weeks after suffering a grade 1 groin strain in Sunday’s win over the Perth Wildcats.

Scans yesterday revealed the extent of the injury, which will keep Broekhoff on the sidelines for the rest of the regular season. Owen Foxwell will replace him in the Phoenix line-up for the remaining two games against Cairns and Sydney.

Broekhoff flew for a rebound mid-way through the final quarter on Sunday, landing heavily after the contest. Walking up the court, Broekhoff raised his hand and subbed out of the game to seek treatment for his injury. He did not return to the court play out the final minutes.

Coach Simon Mitchell expressed his concern for Broekhoff after the game.

“It’s horrible, the guy can’t take a trick, but it’s professional sports. He’s just the perfect teammate, and that’s what we miss when he is not out there,” Mitchell said.

“I think last year, when he was out, we really fell into a hole. I think this year, with the addition of Trey Kell into the group, we felt like we could cover for that a little bit more.

“Our focus is doing the best we can each and every game. We prepare thoroughly, we’ll go through the film, we’ll get on the training track, we’ll do everything we normally do, and our concerns will be with the guys who are in uniform, and if he’s (Broekhoff) not there, so be it; next soldier up.”