Sam Thaiday’s Four Nations campaign is almost certainly over after the veteran Kangaroos and Queensland forward suffering a suspected fractured eye socket.
Thaiday was taken to hospital midway through the second half after being caught by the head of England’s James Graham in Australia’s 38-16 win at the London Stadium early on Monday (AEDT).
It is the second time Graham’s head has caused a serious injury to an opponent with England teammate Sam Burgess suffering the same injury during the 2014 NRL grand final
Coach Mal Meninga confirmed the news in his post-match press conference but absolved Canterbury skipper Graham of any blame.
“Unfortunately it will probably put him out of the game next week,” Meninga said of Thaiday.
“I think it was accidental.”
Cooper Cronk, who was named man of the match, said Thaiday knew immediately that he had a serious problem and said the injury had taken some of the shine off a comprehensive win.
“He knew about it as soon as it happened and our fingers, toes and every hair follicle is crossed for him that it’s a positive scan result,” Cronk said.
“There is no doubt that he will be part of our team in the final whether he’s playing or not.”
Cronk also believes the squad – who have already lost Josh Mansour to a serious knee injury – is filled with enough quality to cope and claimed it’s the strongest he’s been involved with since debuting in 2009.
“With no disrespect to the other squads we’ve had previously but we go deep into the 24-man roster,” he said.
“Mal has stated he picked his best team tonight, and there will probably be changes through injury but as a senior player I am super confident you can bring in anyone in this squad they can do a job.”
Les Boyd's Elbow
Guest
Totally agree Browny, younger forwards should have been selected over him. Average again this year, albeit with decent finish to pull the wool over the eyes of the selectors. All smiles with Sam, thumbs up. He's got them all worked out. Must think himself as the smartest man in the NRL to continually pull of these audacious crimes.
kiwijack
Guest
This is Kidwell's opportunity to give Martin a go, what has he got to lose. Harris offers nothing in the 5/8 position where Martin offers the future, win or lose the kid will learn heaps. Johnson can't do it alone, so it's now time for some of the others to stand up.
Tim
Roar Rookie
Shouldn't even be in the squad. He's only there because Darren Lockyer is a selector. He is a clown. Doesn't make any huge impact to the game. There are better second rowers like Josh Jackson, Wade Graham and Gavin Cooper. Can't believe he is in the best 17 over Jake Trbojevic and Shannon Boyd.
maximillian
Roar Rookie
Yea I agree. Kidwell seems quite conservative so I think he will select Harris at 6. The Kiwis attack has been poor all season & I cant see Harris creating many opportunities. That means even more pressure on Johnson, so I think Australia should win the final comfortably.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
How many players need to get knocked out by James Graham leading in with the head before something is done about it?
Broadly Speaking
Guest
Injuries always affect any team and losing Thaiday versus NZ maybe losing Leuluai will be telling when the teams are named. Aussies may gain something they need (size/hit ups) and the Kiwis may lose something they need (ball play/kicks).
peeeko
Roar Guru
bad for sam, probably good for australia