Players, fans and commentators have been shocked by scary scenes that stopped the game for more than five minutes.
Terrifying scenes have hit fans and commentators in the Cronulla Sharks ’18-6 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Commbank Stadium after rookie Declan Casey was hit.
In horrific conditions, the Sharks had just scored their second attempt to regain the lead when the terrifying scenes took place.
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The Bulldogs’ throw was returned by Andrew Fifita of the Sharks, who pushed the clock back with a stormy run.
The 22-year-old debutant was chasing hard and doing everything he had to do, but he faced the full weight of the race and was knocked out before falling to the ground in terrifying scenes.
The Sharks players were the first to hit Casey, as the match was quickly stopped and medical attention was called to the field.
Steve Roach said it was “the way you run the ball from a stroke after you’ve scored a try.”
But there was a clear concern for Casey on the turf.
“He’s a tough man to tackle, Andrew Fifita,” Roach told Fox Sports.
“The young man did not lack courage, I know he made a few mistakes in this game, but you faced a man who charges Fifita, an experienced player, who is an age. He knows how to use his body correctly.
“It feels for the young man. What a braver effort.”
There was no indication of illegality but the medicab was immediately requested.
The match was stopped for about five minutes when he was taken off the field in terrifying scenes.
Code Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “There was great concern for Declan Casey after he fell awkwardly on the back of an attempt to tackle Andrew Fifita.
“A shout out to Fifita who was close to the rookie the whole time and came over to check it out after being on the medicab.”
SBS’s Rayane Tamer wrote: “Declan Casey, a Bulldog debutant, was knocked unconscious after facing anger in an attempt to tackle Andrew Fifita. His horribly cut debut moved off the field on a stretcher. “.
Wilson Smith of the Daily Telegraph added, “Oh, Casey, this is so hard, the worst luck on debut.”
ABC Sport called the scene “just terrifying” and “scary stuff.”
Sharks and Bulldogs social media teams also shared support for the youngster.
About 10 minutes later, Fox Sports side reporter Lara Pitt said Casey was able to quit the drug voluntarily.
“Delighted to report that I just saw rookie Declan Casey come down from the medication in the tunnel and walk to the cutlery with his family far behind,” he said.
“The Bulldogs’ medical staff is being cared for long after that nasty headache, but the news is it’s ready.”
It was a debut to forget about everything for Casey after the sky fell at Commbank Stadium.
There was so much water on the surface that the lights were reflected on the surface of large puddles all over the playing surface.
But while the Bulldogs were encouraged on defense to push the Sharks away again and again, Cronulla did enough to take the two points.