Parramatta veteran’s incredible act of sportsmanship

An NRL star is being praised for a classy act towards a rival player in a scary moment that silenced the stadium.

Joe Ofahengaue helps Josh Curran. Photo: Fox League and Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Parramatta’s Joe Ofahengaue is being praised after a classy act of sportsmanship during the Eels’ loss to the Bulldogs on Monday.

A brave Bulldogs team down on troops came back to claim a 22-18 victory in front of over 45,000 fans.

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However, it was also a very tough night for the Belmore club after losing forward Josh Curran in frightening scenes in the first half when he was left on the ground following contact to his Curran was seen trying to tackle Ofahengaue when his head appeared to collect the former Queensland State of Origin star’s hip.

Replays showed Curran was out cold before he even hit the ground and was motionless as play continued up the field.

Josh Curran's head was in the wrong position. Photo: Fox League.

However, Ofahengaue stayed with Curran and called for medical help.

The act that has received particular attention is Ofahengaue’s move to place Curran in a recovery position for head knocks with the Eels forward rolling Curran onto his side.

.@TheParraEels' Joe Ofahengaue deserves praise and respect for his genuine concern for @NRL_Bulldogs' Josh Curran, placing him in the recovery position and staying by his side until medical help arrived. Quality sportsmanship. 👏 #NRLpic.twitter.com/7SMv8M2w0G

— Peter Murphy (@PeterWMurphy1) June 10, 2024

Physiotherapist Brien Seeney, the expert behind the ‘NRL Physio’ Twitter account, wrote: “Have to commend Eels Joe Ofahengaue who stayed with Curran”.

An ABC commentator said: “A beautiful act of sportsmanship from Parramatta’s Joe Ofahengaue. As soon as Joe saw Josh Curran lying motionless, he never left him.

“Ofahengaue rolled Curran into the recovery position and kept him there until trainers came.”

Joe Ofahengaue helps Josh Curran. Photo: Fox League and Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

One fan posted: “Kudos to Joe Ofahengaue, too, who stayed with Josh Curran before he was taken off to make sure he was ok after he was motionless on the field”.

Curran was eventually stretchered off the field.

Fox League’s Lara Pitt reported in the second half Curran was walking around the dressing rooms but was “disappointed he can’t come back out”.

As it was the Bulldogs’ second concussion of the match, the side have activated 18th man Jake Turpin.

A second medicab was needed in the second half for second rower Jacob Preston, who badly rolled his ankle, with early reports emerging that it was believed to be broken.

Joe Ofahengaue checks on Josh Curran. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images.

Josh Curran on the Medicab. Picture: NRL Photos

Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo addressed the mini-injury crisis after the game.

“Bailey Hayward and Josh Curran both had concussion. We have the bye next week so they’ll be able to rest up and get back to full health,” Ciraldo said, with Josh Addo-Carr and Viliame Kikau also missing, while Kurt Mann has been offered a two-game ban for a crusher tackle.

“Presto (Jacob Preston) has done something to his foot so we’re not quite sure yet, but he’ll get scans. The fact he couldn’t walk off the field wasn’t a great sign.

“We had a few guys out there who were busted who couldn’t come off. Bronson (Xerri) did something to his hamstring at the start of the second half, but we didn’t have anyone to replace him with.

“Blake Wilson had an issue with his shoulder as well and toughed it out. It’s a credit to those guys playing busted and just hanging in.”