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David Klemmer consoled Chase Stanley after he suffered another injury

RUGBY league can be a cruel sport. That much was evident during a moment viewers found incredibly difficult to watch.

James Matthey
2 min read
April 4, 2016 - 10:26PM
Chase Stanley of the Bulldogs goes over to score a try during the Canterbury Bulldogs v Warriors round 26 NRL game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. pic Mark Evans
Chase Stanley of the Bulldogs goes over to score a try during the Canterbury Bulldogs v Warriors round 26 NRL game at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. pic Mark Evans

RUGBY league can be a cruel game.

For all the highs the sport can provide, there are just as many lows.

Bulldogs centre Chase Stanley experienced the worst of it when he was forced off the field with a hamstring injury in his side’s loss to Canberra at Belmore Sports Ground on Monday night.

Stanley is used to injury in his career, but this was the one night he didn’t deserve to have his body let him down. He was playing his 100th NRL match — a milestone that’s taken him nearly a decade to reach because he’s spent more time on the physio table than the footy field.

So when his night was over, emotion overcame the 26-year-old, with cameras capturing the outside back in tears in the Bulldogs’ dressing room shortly after half-time.

But while the rest of his teammates were out on the field or sitting on the bench, one man stayed behind. Canterbury enforcer David Klemmer was shown hugging a visibly distressed Stanley, consoling him by holding him tight and speaking words of encouragement in his ear.

The heartbreaking vision clearly had an impact on viewers.

This was tough to watch.
This was tough to watch.

“The poor young bloke is gutted, what a nightmare run of injuries he has had,” said Fox Sports commentator Andy Raymond.

“100 games up tonight, unfortunately it ends like so many have in his 10-year career,” said Warren Smith.

“It’s a great shame.”

Since debuting for the Dragons in 2007, Stanley has had issues with his shoulders, knees and elbows. As bad as that sounds, he’s actually not the unluckiest member of his family.

Younger brother Kyle retired last year at just 24 years of age because his body could not keep up with the rigours of playing rugby league. He underwent five knee reconstructions since breaking into first grade — also with St George — in 2010.

Stanley and injury are unfortunate bedfellows.
Stanley and injury are unfortunate bedfellows.

There was more bad news for the Bulldogs, with a man questioned by police after a glass bottle was thrown at the Canberra bench in the second half.

The bourbon bottle was smuggled into the suburban venue and hurled at the Raiders’ bench during a controversial second half after Bulldogs forward Josh Jackson was sin-binned and the visitors scored soon after.

In scenes that brought back memories of last year’s “Bad Friday” clash with South Sydney at ANZ Stadium, and labelled “totally unacceptable” by Bulldogs boss Raelene Castle, the man was quickly apprehended by police.

The man could face a lifetime ban from sporting venues.

The bottle missed players on the bench, instead smashing as it hit an exercise bike in front of the western grandstand.

Canterbury supporters wouldn’t have been pleased with the Raiders given they beat the home side 22-8.

Click here for a full match report.

— with AAP

Originally published as David Klemmer consoled Chase Stanley after he suffered another injury

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/nrl/david-klemmer-consoled-chase-stanley-after-he-suffered-another-injury/news-story/73ab2a2ec6b7e89b367b99b74c9f5997