New South Wales is set to alter their extended squad following an injury to Keaon Koloamatangi, who is suspected to have fractured his eye socket. The Rabbitohs forward sustained the injury in the 70th minute of a match against the Bulldogs while attempting to tackle Viliame Kikau; he inadvertently collided with Kikau’s forearm.
After the impact, Koloamatangi immediately grasped his face and remained on the ground. Although South Sydney regained possession soon after, he was unable to participate in the play until the third tackle. Referee Adam Gee subsequently halted the game and directed Koloamatangi to leave the field due to safety protocols.
Initially included as the 19th man in the Blues squad, Koloamatangi will not be joining them now due to his injury. New South Wales has yet to announce who will take his place, although Lindsay Smith has already travelled to Perth as the 20th man for the team.
As it stands, Koloamatangi’s predicament necessitates a revision of the squad and raises concerns about player safety in high-contact sports.