Injuries to Scott Pendlebury and Pearce Hanley ignite debate over future of International Rules series

INJURIES to Scott Pendlebury and Pearce Hanley have threatened the future of the International Rules series after both players suffered breaks in the opening clash at Adelaide Oval.

The moment Scott Pendlebury broke his finger. Picture: Getty

COLLINGWOOD captain Scott Pendlebury’s suspected broken finger in Australia’s 10-point win against Ireland will recharge the debate on the merit of an AFL international series.

The Irish also had a costly injury with Gold Coast’s Gaelic import Pearce Hanley suffering a broken right hand that puts him out of the second Test in Perth on Saturday.

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But Australia — and Geelong premiership coach — Chris Scott, who admits he was not a fan of International Rules five years ago, insists the hybrid AFL-Gaelic football game should not fall off the AFL agenda as State-of-Origin did as clubs took issue with injuries to star players.

Pendlebury was in an Adelaide hospital late on Sunday as the Australians celebrated their 10-point win in the first Test at Adelaide Oval.

The moment Scott Pendlebury broke his finger. Picture: Getty

He was awaiting scans on the top of the middle finger of his left hand, four months after having a finger on his right hand broken in two places.

Scott understands Australia’s win — the first in four attempts against Ireland in Adelaide with 25,502 at the first IRS Test played at Adelaide Oval — will challenge the future of International Rules.

“Yeah, it does; it is clearly something that is on our minds,” Scott said. “And I’m sure it is on the Irish as well. But if we want the series to work, we have to continue to push to get the best players out there.

“And to a man — and this is my third series now — every player who has been involved has just loved the experience. It would be a little bit of surprise among those who have not been a part of it as to how passionate our guys are.

“As far as I can tell, the series has the support of the clubs. And while it has the support of the clubs and the best players, it has a really bright future.”

Pendlebury did not finish the game.

“As soon as there was any possibility of an injury there, we pulled him from the game,” Scott said. “It is important to note it is his other hand (to the finger injury he had at Collingwood).”

One photo, two players, two injuries. Pearce Hanley (broken hand) and Scott Pendlebury (broken finger) will both miss the second Test and face delayed starts to their pre-season. Picture: Sarah Reed

Australia must win — or protect its 10-point advantage — to reclaim the Cormac McAnallen Trophy.

Scott expects to regain Geelong midfield star Joel Selwood to cover the loss of Pendlebury. Selwood did not play in Adelaide as the Australians gave him more time to overcome an ankle injury.