Boyd Cordner's cousin Joel Dark collapses during rugby league game in Newcastle
Sydney Roosters star Boyd Cordner has rushed to the bedside of his 19-year-old cousin, who underwent emergency brain surgery after collapsing in a Newcastle rugby league game over the weekend.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner has been granted permission to leave the NRL’s COVID bubble in order to make a mercy dash to the hospital bedside of his cousin, who underwent brain surgery after collapsing during a rugby league game.
Joel Dark, who played at Cordner’s old club Taree Old Bar, was debuting for Central Newcastle in first grade against Nelson Bay on Sunday when he suffered a head knock.
Dark’s distraught family witnessed the incident after travelling from Taree to watch his debut.
The 19-year-old collapsed and was helped from the ground by people including teammate and firefighter Brad Russell. He received treatment at the ground before being taken by ambulance to John Hunter Hospital where he underwent emergency brain surgery.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The match was abandoned. The NSW Rugby League will investigate.
In a show of compassion, Cordner has been granted an exemption to leave the Roosters’ COVID bubble so he can make the mercy dash to Newcastle to be with his family and support his cousin.
The Roosters have not put a timeline on Cordner’s return, but expect their captain will return in time for Saturday night’s clash against the Newcastle Knights at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Cordner celebrated the Kangaroos’ 2017 Rugby League World Cup win with Dark and his tight-knit family. The Roosters captain played against Canberra on Saturday night but was absent from training on Monday.
In a statement the NSWRL said: “A 21-year-old was taken by Ambulance to John Hunter Hospital. The incident is believed to have occurred 15 minutes into the second half following a head knock, at which time the match was abandoned.
“The NSWRL is investigating the incident and awaiting reports from match officials and medical authorities.”
NRL Tackle: All the likes and dislikes from Round 17 of the NRL
Wests Tigers duo Josh Reynolds, Russell Packer walk out on team during Manly game
In a message on its Facebook page, the club is offering counselling services to players and spectators.
“As a result of the accident at St John yesterday the Newcastle Rugby League and Central Newcastle Butcher Boys will be providing a counselling session at Central Leagues Club.
“The invitation for this session is extended to anyone who has been affected by this, players, officials, coaching staff, volunteers, parents, family or anyone who was there yesterday and feel they need to talk.”
The club said Dark was “fighting hard’’.
“Joel’s family is very appreciative of the support he’s received and we at the club are very humbled by all the well wishers for Joel and his family.
“Out of respect for Joel’s family we won’t be making any further comments at the moment. Thank you again.”