KURTZ CURIOUS

The extent of Brady Kurtz's hip injury remains in doubt despite the young Australian having been released from hospital.

Kurtz damaged his hip when embroiled in a tense battle with his 2017 Poole team-mate Jack Holder in heat 17 of the Australian U21 final at Kurri-Kurri last Saturday. Kurtz had no chance to avoid Holder's back wheel when the defending champion fell and although Kurtz appeared for the re-run he was forced to pull-up early. He opted out of his B final appearance that could have given him a shot of the title which was eventually won by past three-times winner Max Fricke.

Kurtz sought medical advice and was admitted to hospital for observation with initial scans reporting no broken bones. Brady said "I am glad to be home although we are still not exactly sure what the problem is. I will be seeing a specialist physio in the next few days and hopefully that will sort things out for me."

 The Pirates begin their 2017 season on March 27th with a trip to Wolverhampton in the Elite Shield competition, although three days earlier there will be the Darcy Ward Invitational Meeting at Wimborne Road.