Jordan Rapana is hit with sickening head injury for Canberra Raiders vs Brisbane Broncos

Jordan Rapana is hit with sickening head injury after Canberra star bravely put his body on the line in game-saving moment that helped Raiders end Broncos’ unbeaten NRL start

By Ollie Lewis For Daily Mail Australia

Canberra Raiders star Jordan Rapana suffered a sickening head injury when putting his body on the line against Brisbane.

The winger, who had caused the Broncos all sorts of problems in a courageous performance at Suncorp Stadium, gathered a huge kick in front of his own posts, before the onrushing Mart Taupau accidentally kneed him in the head.

Blood was seen spurting out of Rapana’s head, sparking fears for a player who has previously fractured his skull. In a move that left a sour taste, Brisbane fans could be heard booing Rapana as he was carted off the pitch. 

But his brave act was crucial in securing two points for Ricky Stuart’s side, as he won his side a penalty for reckless conduct from his opposite number, which allowed the stubborn Raiders to see out a 20-14 victory. 

It means the Broncos’ undefeated start to the season is over and represents a remarkable turnaround for the Raiders, with Stuart under heavy pressure after his side were smashed by Penrith last weekend. 

Jordan Rapana suffered a sickening head knock during his side’s win over Brisbane

The Canberra star was laid out on the turf for several minutes while he received attention

The winger was hit in the head by a knee while contesting an aerial ball on Saturday

Rapana’s sickening injury was the second such distressing head injury in Australian sport on Saturday night, with AFL star Paddy McCartin also suffering badly from another knock. 

The former No 1 draft pick has long been hampered by a series of concussions, and fans are now calling for the AFL to intervene and protect him from suffering further damage.  

More to follow. 

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