Blues rocked, Maroons sweating as gun hospitalised

June 8, 2023 Sports 4 Views

By Chris De Silva and Zachary Gates

A “badly broken” jaw has ended the State of Origin campaign of New South Wales hooker Apisai Koroisau, who was taken to hospital as his Wests Tigers lost to the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday night.

And Queensland could also be set for a huge blow because Tino Fa’asuamaleaui inflicted the damage, resulting in the Maroons forward being reported in the Cbus Super Stadium clash.

In the first half of the Titans’ game against the Tigers, won by the Gold Coast outfit 28-12, Koroisau was taken to hospital after Fa’asuamaleaui raised his arms and connected with the Tigers skipper’s head while running the footy.

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Tigers coach Tim Sheens was infuriated as he explained in his press conference that Koroisau had “badly broken” his jaw in two places and would miss a minimum of six weeks.

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Koroisau will almost certainly be replaced by Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook for game two of the Origin series, although Cowboys rake Reece Robson could also be in calculations.

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While NSW coach Brad Fittler has opted for a No.9 and a bench hooker in recent times, using Koroisau and Cook in a two-pronged attack, the latter was axed for this year’s opener at Adelaide Oval, won by Queensland 26-18.

Addressing the Fa’asuamaleaui move that injured Koroisau, former Queensland captain Darren Lockyer expressed fears for the Titans enforcer.

“It’s a nervous wait,” Lockyer said on the Nine broadcast.

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“If Api comes out of that tackle with no injury, I think he might get away with a fine. But unfortunately because of the injury to Api it’s a nervous wait for Tino.

“So I guess it’s over to the judiciary from here.”

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After the Titans’ match against the Storm in round three, Fa’asuamaleaui was fined $1500 for performing a shoulder charge on Eliesa Katoa.

And after the Titans’ clash with the Bulldogs in round 12, the 23-year-old was fined $1800 for a similar incident to the Koroisau one, having raised his arms and connected with Reed Mahoney’s head while running the ball.

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