‘Scary to watch’: NSW captain Isabelle Kelly hospitalised

There are fears for NSW captain Isabelle Kelly after a horrific injury saw the legendary star hospitalised after a brutal moment.

Hopefully she's okay. Photo: Fox Sports

Queensland’s women have followed their men’s team to a game one State of Origin victory, defeating NSW 18-10 in the opening match of the two-game series.

But while the loss is bad enough, there were fears for NSW captain Isabelle Kelly, who was taken to hospital after a horror moment that saw her reportedly coughing up blood in the first match of the Women’s State of Origin series.

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However, the NSWRL revealed on Friday that Kelly had avoided serious damage.

“Tests have shown Kelly does not have a fracture to her larynx or windpipe damage,” the NSWRL said in a statement.

“She is breathing more freely but still has swelling to the throat so she will remain in Westmead Hospital as a precautionary measure.”

She also posted to Instagram from her hospital bed, writing: “Feeling very overwhelmed with all the love I have received, thankyou to all who have contacted myself or my family. Still in ICU at hospital surrounded by the most amazing staff at Westmead, been a scary 12 hours but hopefully head home tomorrow.”

After conceding an early try, the Blues responded to take a 6-4 lead through Jessica Sergis in what was shaping as another close contest at Commbank Stadium.

But there were scary scenes just before the halftime break when Kelly in defence was left in distress after copping an elbow to the throat from Maroons winger Julia Robinson, who has since been handed a grade 2 dangerous contact charge, which comes with a one to two match ban.

Kelly remained on the ground and Robinson stayed with her as the medical staff came onto the field.

As the Maroons marched up the field before scoring through powerful second rower Tazmin Gray, just two minutes before halftime to take a 10-6 lead, Kelly was helped from the field.

Kelly was not well and was spitting up blood.

In commentary for Fox Sports, Matt Russell said she was “in real distress”.

This was the incident Kelly reeled out of. Photo: Fox Sports

Kelly was in a bad way after the incident. Photo: Fox Sports

Robinson was placed on report for the raised elbow, with Tarsha Gale saying “there was no malice or intent” but did have her elbow raised.

At halftime, Corey Parker said he thought the run was alright and shouldn’t lead to a suspension.

He added he hoped Kelly would be able to return but sideline reporter Darcie McDonald confirmed she was “taken to hospital as a precautionary measure”.

The NRL Physio said there could be a major issue if Kelly had suffered a fractured larynx.

He said although Kelly was heading to hospital for precautionary measures: “If larynx is fractured recovery time varies greatly – anywhere from 1-3 months pending severity & structures involved”.

There was quickly plenty of support for the Blues captain, although plenty of fans also questioned why referee Adam Gee didn’t call time off with Kelly seemingly struggling to breathe.

Man that’s scary with Isabelle Kelly holding her throat like that. She looked like she was choking or couldn’t breathe. Something had happened to her throat. #stateoforigin

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) June 1, 2023

Just caught up with what happened to Isabelle Kelly 😕. That was scary to watch. Hope she’s doing ok 🫶

— Netty Taulepa (@n372br3zzy) June 1, 2023

Thoughts are with Sky Blues legend Isabelle Kelly who’s been taken to hospital with a throat injury. #uptheblues

— NSW Blues Brothers (@NSWBluesBrother) June 1, 2023

Isabelle Kelly looks like she's in big trouble after copping Julia Robinson's arm to her throat while attempting to make a tackle. She's being very gingerly led off the field, which is a worrying scene for the Blues champ #Origin

— Pam Whaley (@PamelaWhaley) June 1, 2023

NRL fans will know how bad a fractured larynx can be after former Sharks player Andrew Fifita had to be played in an induced coma and undergoing surgery after suffering the injury in 2021.

He was in a coma for five days and said he had to be taught how to walk and talk again.

Great sportsmanship from the Queenslanders. Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

On the field, the Maroons came out firing in the second half, scoring twice to open up an 18-6 lead after 45 minutes.

But the Blues are not done after Jaime Chapman hit back to make it 18-10 with 20 minutes remaining.

While the Blues pushed hard for a try, NSW couldn’t get over the line as the Queenslander defence held strong.

It’s the first for the women’s Origin with the clash the first of two in the series this season.

The winner of the series will be the team to have the higher aggregate after two matches.

But as Queensland scored first, if the aggregate is even at the end of the second match, the Maroons will win.