Footy legend who was an eyewitness to NRL coach Trent Robinson’s horror burns accident reveals what happened in the moments before he was airlifted to hospital

Rugby legend Trent Robinson, who was visiting at the time of his shocking barbecue accident, has told what happened before the Sydney Roosters coach and his wife were taken to hospital with horrific burns.

The NRL coach and his wife Sandra were airlifted to hospital after a gas cylinder exploded while they were cooking at ex-rugby league supremo John Quayle’s property at Dalswinton in the NSW Hunter Valley when the incident occurred.

Both suffered burns to their arms and were treated with cold water before being taken by helicopter to hospital for emergency medical care.

Quayle is a former Australian rugby league player and administrator who played as a forward for the Eastern Suburbs Roosters in the 1970s and later served as general manager of the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL).

He played a key role in the formation of the National Rugby League (NRL) and the management of its operations, and was inducted into the code’s Hall of Fame this year.

Over those years, the champion player and manager has built many strong bonds, including the Roosters coach.

Former NSWRL chief executive John Quayle (left) arrives at court with ARL chairman Ken Arthurson during the Super League war

Now Quayle, who also worked for SOCOG as an events manager during the 2000 Sydney Olympics, has opened up about how the incident happened.

“We were just having a barbecue and about an hour after we ate, there was a gas smell,” Quayle told police. Sydney Morning Herald.

“Trent checked the button, the button ignited and it went off. They’re both fine.

‘Of course triple-0 was called and they were very good. We are in quite a remote area, the ambulances came straight away.

‘They were immediately treated with cold water and cold showers while paramedics treated them.

‘To make sure everything was right, a helicopter [was summoned].

“They were taken to John Hunter [hospital] for a precautionary investigation. Sandra was held for one night, Trent was held for two nights. They’re both home now, they’re doing well and that’s the most important thing.’

The Roosters coach (pictured left) and his wife had to be taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries

Quayle revealed that a gas smell first alerted Robinson that something was wrong with the barbecue at his Hunter Valley property

Quayle has had strong links with the Roosters since his playing days.

Just after the 1997 Super League war, Sydney Roosters Godfather Nick Politis and Quayle bought the Hunter Valley farm and set up a vineyard together.

Politis and Quayle have been friends since the 1970s and the former NRL administrator struck up a friendship with Robinson when the former Catalans Dragons coach joined the club as assistant coach in 2010 and again as head coach in 2013.

Quayle said it was common for Robinson and his family to go to the farm to relax during the off-season.

“Every now and then they come up with their kids,” Quayle said.

‘It was very innocent, [Trent] relaxing after a long year in the countryside.

‘The services were so good, from the ambulance to the rescue service to the hospital. It was really first class to see that reaction on a rural estate. We are certainly happy with that.’

The accident also occurred on the same day the Roosters celebrated their NRLW premiership, which Robinson did not want to upset.

“Trent, being Trent of course, didn’t want any fuss or anything to be said about it, which is understandable,” Quayle said.

“He didn’t want anyone to worry, which is probably why he hasn’t said anything until now.”