NRL 2021: Andrew Fifita throat surgery a success, NRL clears Knights of any foul play

Doctors expect Sharks prop Andrew Fifita to make a full recovery after undergoing successful surgery on a fractured larynx.

Enari Tuala of the Knights celebrates a try (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

Andrew Fifita has undergone successful surgery on a fractured larynx.

In a Sharks statement late on Tuesday night the club confirmed doctors were pleased with the operation and expect him to make a full recovery.

Fifita will remain in intensive care and is likely to face a lengthy hospital stay.

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“Andrew’s wife Nikki and the Fifita family would like to express their thanks to their many friends, Sharks members and fans and the wider rugby league community for the support and well wishes received, with the family now looking for some space and privacy during the recovery process,” the Sharks statement read.

Fifita copped a hit to the throat in last Sunday’s 16-14 loss to Newcastle.

Andrew Fifita told teammates he had copped a whack to the throat. Picture: Fox Sports

Fifita sat on the bench afterwards and was struggling to breathe but the prop refused to show his Sharks teammates he had suffered a potentially life-threatening injury.

Fifita even argued with the medical staff that wanted to rush him to the hospital at fulltime.

A shaken Siosifa Talakai struggled to recall how Fifita’s condition deteriorated. But Talakai does remember one thing from the incident that’s left him rattled: Fifita’s toughness.

“I missed it, I was about to pass out from exhaustion myself,” Talakai said.

“I think we didn’t know the severity of it. Knowing Andrew, he didn’t even want to go to the hospital. He is too tough for his own self.

“All I heard was that he had to go to hospital. He was fighting everyone, he was fighting paramedics, the staff (because) he didn’t want to go but yeah, that’s all I remember really.

“But it’s a tough one for me, he’s like a big brother to me.”

Matt Moylan said the only telling sign that anything more serious had happened was a “croaky voice”.

“I didn’t see it unfold, I just heard he was going to the hospital and then got updates later,” Moylan said. “Sitting on the sideline he said he copped a whack to the throat.

“He didn’t complain about anything but had a croaky voice and didn’t let on too much that there was something wrong, but it obviously must have come on pretty much straight after the game.”

NRL CLEARS KNIGHTS OVER FIFITA KNOCK

The NRL have cleared Newcastle of any act of foul play that has left Sharks prop Andrew Fifita needing career-defining surgery in a Brisbane hospital.

Fifita copped a hit to the throat during Cronulla’s two-point loss resulting in the former Test prop suffering a fractured larynx. He was placed in an induced coma in an effort to aid his healing ahead of surgery on Tuesday.

The NRL match review committee scoured every play that Fifita was involved in to determine whether the injury occurred from an illegal incident.

The NRL announced on Tuesday that the MRC found no reason for no any charges to be laid.

Fifita’s NRL career is hanging in the balance as surgeons prepare to operate to repair his fractured larynx.

Frightening moment as Sharks prop Andrew Fifita is surrounded by medical staff after taking a hit to the throat. Picture: AAP

Fifita, 32, has one more year remaining on his contract but now faces a medical retirement.

The Sharks on Monday night released a statement with a medical update.

“The Sharks can inform that Andrew has suffered a laryngeal fracture and is currently in an induced coma,” a spokesman said. “Andrew is in a stable condition, with a surgical correction scheduled to take place tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon.

“He is receiving the best possible care and all going well, it is expected he will recover in hospital for an extended period. Andrew’s wife Nikki and the Fifita family have expressed their appreciation to all who have sent messages of support and offered well wishes.”

Sharks chief executive Dino Mezzatesta refused to speculate on his future.

“All we’re concerned about is Andrew and his family right now,” Mezzatesta said. “His playing future is not an issue. We’re supporting his family in a tough period.”

Twin brother David also released a statement on behalf of the family on Monday night.

Fifita was taken to hospital after being treated by medical staff on the sidelines. Picture: AAP

“I would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and kind words during this difficult time that we face,” the statement read. “As a family we ask everyone to please respect our privacy and allow Andrew and the family space to heal and recover.”

Fifita’s wife is at his bedside where he is expected to stay for several days.

Former Sharks teammate Kurt Capewell was among the league identities who sent a message of support on Monday.

“It shocked me to read that,” Capewell said.

“My thoughts go out to his family. He‘s a pretty tough bugger so I reckon he’ll get through it. I’m thinking of him at the moment, that’s for sure.”

The Fifita injury is almost identical to the one suffered by young Sharks playmaker Jack A Williams earlier this year in a trial game.

He also had to be placed in an induced coma in intensive care before surgery.

He has since played alongside Fifita in the NSW Cup for Newtown this season but has not managed to feature in the NRL.

Originally published as NRL 2021: Andrew Fifita throat surgery a success, NRL clears Knights of any foul play