2017 NRL Grand Final: Shaun Fensom suffers horrific injury

North Queensland hardman Shaun Fensom has heartbreakingly had his grand final dreams taken from him after suffering a horrific leg injury.

The Cowboys forward got his leg awkwardly caught under teammate Ethan Lowe while trying to make a tackle in the opening minutes of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night.

Fensom was writhing in pain behind the play as players from both teams displayed concern for his health.

The Cowboys forward got his leg awkwardly caught under teammate Ethan Lowe while trying to make a tackle in the opening minutes of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night

Fensom was writhing in pain behind the play as players from both teams displayed concern for his health

Fensom and Lowe were attempting to bring down a rampaging Jesse Bromwich when Lowe undercut his teammate, resulting in a gruesome injury just three minutes into the game.

It appears he fractured his leg in the collision, with confirmation yet to come as he is taken to hospital.

He was seen pounding the ground in agony before team staff could rush to treat him.

It appears he fractured his leg in the collision, with confirmation yet to come as he is taken to hospital

As Fensom was stretchered off the field he gave a thumbs up to the 80,000-strong crowd who responded with cheers and applause

As Fensom was stretchered off the field he gave a thumbs up to the 80,000-strong crowd who responded with cheers and applause.

Fensom was a fan favourite from his time at Canberra, where his endless workrate was admired by supporters and players alike.

He has been in and out of the Cowboys team since making the move north, but he was finally making his first grand final after 160 games in first grade.

The early injury means North Queensland now have to quell the Storm with one fewer player.  

Fensom was a fan favourite from his time at Canberra, where his endless workrate was admired by supporters and players alike