NRL star reveals his gruesome injuries after suffering a skull fracture during a brutal on-field clash
- Canberra Raiders’ star Sia Soliola suffered a head-on collision on Friday
- He was left with a clear fracture across his skull that will likely require surgery
- Experts say Soliola will likely not be able to play another game this season
An NRL star has revealed the full extent of his horrific facial injuries caused by a brutal on-field clash that could sideline him for the rest of the season.
Canberra Raiders star Sia Soliola suffered a head-on clash during Friday’s game against the St George Illawarra Dragons that left him with a fracture across his skull.
Soliola left the field with blood streaming out his nose but only learned the true extent of the injury after he was taken to hospital for an x-ray.
Canberra Raiders’ star Sia Soliola suffered a head-on clash during Friday’s game against the St George Illawarra Dragons that left him with a clear fracture across his skull
In the images shared to social media on Saturday, the Raiders forward appeared to be in good spirits despite the horrific injury.
‘At least my teeth are in tact,’ he said.
Footage from the clash showed Blake Lawrie running the ball to clash with three defending Raiders including Soliola.
Lawrie stuck out his arm that made contact with Soliola’s face before the pair smashed their heads together.
Footage from the clash showed Blake Lawrie putting his palm into Soliola’s face before the two smashed their heads together
NRL Physio’s Brien Seeney also shared images of the injury on social media, revealing it could cost Soliola as much as four months off the field.
‘Unfortunately scans revealed a significant facial fracture for Sia Soliola, is now facing surgery,’ they said.
‘Fracture of this nature usually requires at least 6-8 weeks on the sideline but possibly much more depending on type of surgery required (worst case 3-4 months).’
NRL Physio’s Brien Seeney said the injury could cost Soliola as much as four months off the field
With NRL finals only four months away Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said Friday could have been Soliola’s last game of the season.
‘It’s looking like it’s a three-month injury, so that looks like it could be the season for Sia,’ he told ABC Grandstand.
Stuart is said to be meeting with a surgeon on Monday to discuss his options.
After Soliola shared the images online, he was quickly comforted by teammates and rival players who all wished him a speedy recovery.
‘Hope your ok man. Speedy recovery. Still got your modelling career intact,’ said Brumbies star Christian Lealiifano.
With Raiders teammate Jack Wighton adding: ‘Holy.. Love ya big bra’.
Soliola thanked his supporters for their kind words and said he was ‘trying his best to smile’.
Soliola thanked his supporters for their kind words and said he was ‘trying his best to smile’