Shane Flanagan, coach of the Dragons, has indicated that Raymond Faitala-Mariner likely experienced an “asthma attack” during their recent match against the Dolphins, which led to his early exit from the field. At halftime, reports emerged that Faitala-Mariner was experiencing shortness of breath and was listed for interchange. After the game, Flanagan provided a reserved update, mentioning he had not yet consulted with the medical team for further details.
“We think it was something along the lines of an asthma attack, quite serious. I don’t have any specifics yet,” Flanagan stated to reporters. While Faitala-Mariner’s condition was a concern, he was not the only player hurt during the match. Christian Tuipulotu, who was making his comeback from a hamstring injury, left the field in the 20th minute due to “hamstring awareness.” Flanagan expressed his disappointment regarding Tuipulotu’s situation, especially after he had been given extra recovery time. “It’s really frustrating from a coach’s perspective, particularly given our current depth issues,” he added.
Tuipulotu was included in the squad at the expense of fellow player Tyrell Sloan, underscoring the team’s need for depth in the winger position. The Dolphins also faced injury trouble, as Max Plath, returning from a previous foot injury, departed in the 49th minute with a knee issue. Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf reported that Plath’s injury was a “low level” medial concern.
The match raised multiple injury concerns, leaving both teams eyeing further evaluations to assess their players’ conditions moving forward.