During a recent NRL match in Canberra, Raiders fans expressed their anger towards referee Wyatt Raymond after a controversial incident involving Broncos player Jordan Riki. The situation unfolded when Riki, while carrying the ball, lifted his arm and inadvertently struck Raiders star Hudson Young in the throat with his elbow. Young immediately felt the impact, dropping to his knees and grasping his throat as the game momentarily paused for medical assessment.
Commentators noted the severity of the incident, with Fox League’s Dan Ginnane acknowledging the dangers of such collisions. Despite Young’s calls for a penalty, referee Raymond opted not to penalise Riki, allowing the Broncos to maintain possession, much to the frustration of Raiders supporters and coach Ricky Stuart, who was visibly displeased on the sideline.
Former league player Greg Alexander commented on the gravity of elbow strikes to the throat, recalling other incidents that had serious repercussions, including Cronulla forward Andrew Fifita’s severe injury in 2021, which required extensive medical intervention. Luckily for Young, he managed to recover quickly, getting back on his feet to continue playing. Ultimately, the Raiders clinched an upset victory over the Broncos, winning 32-22.