New South Wales coach Brad Fittler says he’s “worried” about Apisai Koroisau but has refused to comment on his options if the incumbent Blues hooker, who’s been taken to hospital, is ruled out of game two.
Fittler could be forced to find a replacement No.9 for the Blues’ must-win clash at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium after Koroisau suffered a suspected fractured jaw in the first half of tonight’s clash between Wests Tigers and Titans.
And in a potential blow for Queensland, forward Tino Fa’asuamaleau was placed on report after injuring Koroisau when he raised his arms and connected with the Tigers captain’s head while running the ball.
“I’m about worried about Api Koroisau. The fact he’s in an ambulance on the way to hospital doesn’t send a good message,” Fittler said on the Nine broadcast.
“So, I wish Api all the best, and hopefully it’s not as bad as first thought or everyone thinks. Not good.”
Fittler was pressed on Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook, the man who would all but certainly wear the NSW No.9 jumper if Koroisau is unavailable.
But the Blues mentor said at this stage he was only concerned about Koroisau.
“I’m not worried about depth at the moment,” Fittler said.
“I’ll worry about Api for now and we’ll worry about that later.”
Blues assistant coach Andrew Johns was in the Nine studio with Fittler.
“You can see how distraught he is there, Api,” said the rugby league Immortal.
Also speaking on Nine’s coverage, Queensland legend Darren Lockyer admitted Fa’asuamaleaui faced a precarious ruling.
“It’s a nervous wait,” Lockyer said.
“If Api comes out of that tackle with no injury, I think he might get away with a fine. But unfortunately because of the injury to Api it’s a nervous wait for Tino.
“So I guess it’s over to the judiciary from here.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
