Jordan Rapana is hit with sickening head injury for Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos
Jordan Rapana suffers a nauseating head injury after Canberra star bravely put his body on the line in a game-saving moment that helped Raiders end Broncos’ unbeaten NRL start
Canberra Raiders star Jordan Rapana suffered a sickening head injury as he put his body on the line against Brisbane.
The winger, who had caused the Broncos all sorts of trouble during a brave display at Suncorp Stadium, received a massive kick to his own posts before an up-and-coming Brisbane star accidentally kneed him on the head.
Blood was seen spouting from Rapana’s head, instilling fear in a player who had previously fractured his skull. In a move that left a sour taste, Brisbane fans were heard calling out Rapana as he was carried off the pitch.
But his act of bravery was crucial in securing two points for Ricky Stuart’s side as he awarded his side a penalty for his opponent’s reckless conduct, allowing the stubborn Raiders to see a 20-14 win.
It means the Broncos’ undefeated start to the season is over and marks a remarkable turnaround for the Raiders, with Stuart under intense pressure after his side was beaten by Penrith last weekend.
Rapana’s sickening injury was the second such glaring head injury in Australian sports on Saturday night, with AFL star Paddy McCartin also suffering badly from another knock.
The former No. 1 draft pick has long been hampered by a series of concussions and fans are now calling on the AFL to step in and protect him from further harm.
More to follow.
Jordan Rapana suffered a sickening blow to the head during his side’s victory over Brisbane
The Canberra star lay on the turf for minutes as he garnered attention
The winger was hit in the head by a knee during a game on Saturday