There is nothing more distressing in sport than seeing what we saw on Friday night. When Jharal Yow Yeh went up in the 23rd minute of the Broncos’ clash with the Rabbitohs, at first glance it looked like he came down in a jarring fashion. It wasn’t until seeing how he reacted that it was clear just how jarring.
Unless the player in question is a certain fullback in blue and gold, there is always a noted difference between a bad injury and a horrible injury in the NRL. In Perth we saw that difference.
Yow Yeh didn’t come reeling out of the contest with Souths’ Dylan Farrell. He sat up in distress, shock and concern. Then, after a bit of help from suitably concerned team-mate Justin Hodges, lay back and started visibly trembling.
As Yow Yeh would clearly still have been in shock, it was more sadness than agony painted all over his face once the doctors got out there. It’s just sickening seeing someone who you are aware is as tough as nails in that much pain and distress.
On a positive note, it’s always encouraging to see how the other players on the field react to incidents like this. All the players who saw the injury and Jharal’s reaction were immediately summoning the officials.
Justin Hodges’, a player who’s been known to misplace his brain from time to time, proved his heart is certainly in the right place. The second the severity of the injury became apparent to him, Hodges intelligently did his level best to avert Yow Yeh’s gaze from the sickening appearance of the injury. Captain Thaiday’s concern was also evident.
On the other, but equally impressive, side of the coin it was nice to see opponents Matt King, Greg Inglis and Farrell showing the due compassion.
Now, I draw the reader’s attention to the surface at nib Stadium. This time last year we saw the same two teams play in a 1970s-esque quagmire and this year we saw a game with equally sub-par ball handling with the addition of a number of injuries from otherwise completely innocuous incidents.
I know where I’d be investing the $100 million investment into nib.
Jeff McGinn
Guest
Not that it matters what time the game starts. Victorians again waited until 1am to watch it... DISGRACEFUL!
Jeff McGinn
Guest
Great effort from Perth.. They need a team of their own and soon. some good points there Nathan.. Trouble with NRL schedulers, they don't think how working folk can get to the grounds. (or don't really care), 6pm start - Another conspiracy theory! try not to get a good crowd, then we can justify knocking back their application on the grounds of No interest!. geez Perth well done a good crowd with a good atmosphere!. -- Ooops, I forgot. Ch 9 sets the time, the NRL Puppets just fall in line!.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
The eastern stand, opposite the broadcast grandstand, will be getting rebuilt and covered with a roof. The southern stand, opposite the shed to right of screen, will be getting rebuilt and foundations for a roof put in. Unfortunately some knucklehead went and heritage listed the main stand from what I understand... But I like the ground, I go there a lot for Glory games and it has a real charm to it. All the WA grounds seem to have that sort of thing :D The Shed is iconic and every ground needs a distinguishing feature like that. Enormous sympathy for YY and the Broncos, would never wish that injury on any sportsman. Terrible thing to see.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Okay A) the old quagmire happened because we had a very substantial part of annual rainfall land in the half-hour before kickoff. Do understand this state is only on nodding acquaintance terms with rainfall, unlike some other states who seem to be just about married to rainfall. B) ground where he landed was perfectly normal; it was how Yow Yeh landed that determined the nature of the injury. Also 6pm kickoff, bloody hell, anyone outside of the CBD would have just about had to clock off early to get there.
KSI
Guest
The ground had nothing to do with JYY injury. If would of happen on any surface in the game.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Great piece! I too am deeply affected by the gory injuries that pop up from time to time. Check out a couple of pieces I've written about the nasty forces that lurk around sporting arenas. http://standsprayanddeliver.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/pat-and-the-snipers-snappy-cousin/ http://standsprayanddeliver.wordpress.com/2012/03/05/footy-snipers/
oikee
Guest
I like this stadium. It could do with a few more stands over the seats, they all looked out in the open. For professional sports, it is not very professional. Gutted, absolutely peeved off Yow Yeh hurt himself this badly. At least Perth witnessed a team that had all the odds stacked against them, rise to a final outcome. It was a brilliant match, started slow and built, built, built. My Broncos showed Perth what it is like to have a wonderful well supported, well loved team. Brisbane's pride, up there with our Origin team. Anyhow, off to vote, historic day for Queensland, we have finally woke up.