Phil Rothfield: Drew Hutchison could pay huge financial price for injury

Drew Hutchison’s fractured ribs and punctured lung — sustained via illegal play — could cost him far more than just six weeks on the sideline.

Drew Hutchison in hospital and (right) the sickening hit.

Drew Hutchison had about a dozen games left this year to prove he was worthy of a new contract at glamour club the Sydney Roosters.

The 26-year-old is a rugby league battler in an era of the multi-million dollar halves that he plays against each weekend.

Like an old reliable Camry against the flashier BMWs.

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Hutchison is on about $110,000 a year and his contract is up at the end of the season.

In the last five years he has played only 20 NRL games for the Roosters and St George Illawarra.

Now he is laid up in the trauma unit at Westmead Hospital.

Two fractured ribs, a punctured lung and on some heavy medication.

Plus the concern about his long-term football career.

It’s a tough game rugby league.

Sydney Roosters five-eighth Drew Hutchison recovering in hospital after a Dylan Brown tackle.

Dylan Brown’s knees on Drew Hutchison’s back.

While 18-year-old superstar Sam Walker has been dominating the headlines at the Roosters, Hutchison just quietly goes about his business each week while barely rating a mention.

It’s why he’s never part of all the discussions about playmaker contract movement like an Adam Reynolds or Mitch Moses.

That’s what makes the injury at Bankwest Stadium on Friday night so costly.

The remainder of the season was to be his shop-window opportunity.

The chance to show Trent Robinson and rival coaches that he’s not just a back-up five-eighth for when a superstar like Luke Keary suffers a season-ending ACL injury.

Hutchison will spend another 48 hours in hospital and be sidelined for a minimum six weeks.

Those at the Roosters rate him a better player than his scrapbook might indicate.

Drew Hutchinson down with injury. Picture: NRL Imagery

He has been the solid and steady influence each week in the Roosters halves to allow Walker to play his natural but unpredictable attacking game.

Robinson loves him as an old school, no-frills footballer.

“For us he’s like that player you remember from the 80s and 90s who liked a beer and dart after a game,” Robinson said.

“That’s Drewy. He’s a man’s man. He hasn’t played 200 games but everyone respects the guy.”

Without the big game experience of Keary, Bord Cordner and Jake Friend, the Roosters have heavily relied on Hutchison at five-eighth.

“He’s one of those old heads that brings a calmness to the team,” Robinson said.

“He’s got a steady hand, he knows footy well and he’s a very intelligent player. Not flashy but he knows his role well.”

Drew Hutchison is a highly-respected member of the side. Picture: Digital image by Grant Trouville - NRL Photos

Hutchison is obviously disappointed about the incident.

Parramatta five-eighth Dylan Brown contacted Hutchison on Saturday and has accepted a three-game ban.

“No player likes to see anyone injured,” Brown said. “Yesterday I contacted Drew to check up on him and apologise. I also let him know that it was an accident and never my intention for him to get hurt.”

Hutchison has no hard feelings towards Brown, according to his manager David Riolo.

“Drew said to me today it’s just part of footy,” Riolo said, “He would have been happy to leave it on the field. That’s the sort of bloke he is. All he’s worried about is getting himself fit and back out there.”

Originally published as Phil Rothfield: Drew Hutchison could pay huge financial price for injury