Dom Shipperley to be sidelined for six months after fracturing and dislocating ankle in horrific accident

VISION of Dom Shipperley’s ankle injury had echoes of Jharal Yow Yeh’s and was so horrific Reds coach Richard Graham couldn’t watch the replay.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Dom Shipperley of the Reds is seen to by medical staff during the round 17 Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Reds at AAMI Park on June 27, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)

VISION of Dom Shipperley’s ankle injury had echoes of Jharal Yow Yeh’s and was so horrific Reds coach Richard Graham couldn’t watch the replay.

Thankfully the Reds winger is expected to only miss six months of football despite the gruesome injury.

Shipperley’s ankle snapped in the Reds 36-20 victory over the Melbourne Rebels last Friday night after a freak collision with Rebels centre Tom English.

The vision is too awful to watch for Reds staff and players as Shipperley’s ankle breaks at an unnatural angle.

It revived memories of Yow Yeh’s break in 2012 which ultimately ended his career.

The moment Broncos winger Jharal Yow Yeh suffered a compound fracture to his lower leg in 2013.

Following surgery on Monday it was revealed Shipperley had fractured and dislocated his ankle while Yow Yeh’s was a compound fracture.

Shipperley is expected to be back for Round 1 next season with his new club Melbourne Rebels.

“It’s one of those injuries … when you see it you just don’t want to go back and look at it again,” Reds coach Richard Graham said.

“He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time unfortunately.

“He’s a really diligent kid though, and will look after himself well throughout the process.

“It’s certainly going to be a long time, probably 12 to 18 months, before Dom’s at his best.”

Dom Shipperley is in visible agony as he receives attention on his dislocated ankle.

The Shipperley injury is the latest encountered by a Reds squad marred by injury woes this season, with the likes of Will Genia (ankle), Quade Cooper (shoulder) and Chris Feauai-Sautia (shoulder) already out for the season.

Reds centre Anthony Faingaa is also expected to miss the final two games of the season after sustaining a calf strain in the matchup against the Rebels over the weekend.

“My boots are shiny,” Graham said in jest.

Ben Tapuai is expected to start at inside centre against the Western Force on Saturday night in Perth, with utility back Sam Kerevi also starting following an impressive performance off the bench.

The Reds on Monday would not confirm James O’Connor’s signing but it is understood an announcement is imminent.

Graham backed the club’s recruitment policies despite the players that are exiting, Mike Harris and Rod Davies, starring in their win over Melbourne.

“Obviously we’ve put some thought into this and this has been going on for the past 12 months,” he said.

“We’re disappointed to lose people, there’s no doubt about that. But you make decisions on what you think is best for the organisation going forward.

“All the decisions that have been made I believe are in the best interest of the organisation.”

Originally published as Dom Shipperley to be sidelined for six months after fracturing and dislocating ankle in horrific accident