PNG Orchid Schnaubelt injured but remains hopeful

WEST Brisbane Panther Gemma Schnaubelt will be out of action for eight weeks after she suffered an ankle sprain in their 16-32 BHP Premiership loss to the Central Queensland Capras in round one a fortnight ago.
The Papua New Guinea Orchids fullback, who is from New Ireland and Central, told The National yesterday that she was disappointed to have suffered such injury early in the season.
“It was not the way I wanted to start the season,” the 23-year-old said.
“It is a syndesmosis injury (a disruption of the distal attachment of the tibia and fibula) which is the high ankle.
“So I will be out for six to eight weeks.”
Schnaubelt said injuries were part of rugby league and that she was hopeful of a speedy recovery.
She said this year’s Rugby League World Cup in England remained one of her goals despite the injury.
“I’m shattered to be out on the sidelines, but I’m confident that I will get through this quickly,” Schnaubelt said.
“The World Cup is also coming up and I don’t think the injury will affect my chances of being part of that.
“It definitely won’t affect me.
“I just need to make sure that I do my recovery and rehab correct, and I should be back.” Fellow Orchid Therese Aiton also played alongside Schnaubelt in the opening round. The luckless Panthers lost 4-20 to Fortitude Valley Diehards in round two last week.