Women’s rugby league player escapes serious injury following ‘scary’ event at Rockhampton footy carnival

Byellee Possums forward Chevy Roberts was left lying on her back in the in-goal after her desperate defensive effort in the Warba Wangarunya Rugby League Carnival grand final. Check out the latest on her condition.

Chevy Roberts was injured in a tackle in the second half of the women's grand final at the Warba Wangarunya Rugby League Carnival.

Gladstone rugby league player Chevy Roberts’ head was reportedly thrashed about “like a pinball” in a tackle that flattened her at the weekend’s Warba Wangarunya Rugby League Carnival.

The hard-working forward had been one of the Byellee Possums’ best all weekend, and was having another big game in the grand final against the Masada Iosefa and Gary Field Memorial Team at Rockhampton’s Saleyards Park.

As she had all weekend, the 20-year-old drove into a tackle, determined to defend her team’s tryline in the second half.

There was immediate concern for Roberts, who was left lying flat on her back in the in-goal area, unable to move.

Byellee Possums player Chevy Roberts at the Warba Wangarunya Rugby League Carnival in Rockhampton.

Team officials and carnival organisers rushed to her side and an ambulance was called.

The grand final was moved to an adjoining field, where the last 20 minutes played out.

Roberts was taken to Rockhampton Hospital and underwent tests and checks before being released several hours later.

Possums’ team manager Stephanie Burns said it was a huge relief that Roberts had not suffered serious injury.

“There ended up being no fractures, just extreme soft tissue damage around her spine,” Burns said.

“She’s got the rest of the week off work just to rest up.

“There were a lot of heads that went into the tackle at once.

“According to one of our other players, Chevy’s head looked like a pinball amongst the other heads. It just got thrashed about.”

Chevy Roberts is treated by ambulance officers on scene before being transported to Rockhampton Hospital.

Burns said Roberts was suffering pain in her neck, which transmitted down her spine and into her hips.

“When it’s the neck, back and head involved, it’s always scary,” she said.

“Thankfully, it was a good result in the end.”

Burns said she could not fault the effort of her team who were the defending champions but fell at the last hurdle this year, beaten 20-10 in the decider.

“This is the third year in a row we’ve made the final. It was just sad we didn’t get to keep the title but we’ll be back next year. We want to take it back,” she said.

The Byellee Possums muscle up in defence against the Byellee Possums Rugby League Team in the women's grand final.

The Possums were co-captained by Krystal Sulter and Rikarra Benjamin, and included former Jillaroos star Chelsea Baker and Mackay duo Xanthe Topping and Sarah Ingledew.

Burns said those five were outstanding, as was Antonia Hendry-Ratima.

She said the spirit, determination and never-say-die attitude within the playing group were instrumental in its success..

“The team’s full of heart, good vibes, positivity and they’re always backing each other up,” she said.

“I think that’s why we’ve gelled so well and why other people are so keen to get involved with us.

“We can only take a squad of 25 but I constantly have people messaging me, asking if we need players.”