NRL 2021: Drew Hutchison back in hospital after lung collapsed for third time

Drew Hutchison has been rushed to hospital after his lung collapsed for a third time, prompting the Roosters star’s manager to express concern over his client’s career.

Drew Hutchison punctured his lung against the Eels in round nine. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Roosters five-eighth Drew Hutchison has been rushed back to hospital for urgent surgery on a lung which has now collapsed three times.

Hutchison, 26, continues to endure pain and shortness of breath after being kneed in the back by Parramatta’s Dylan Brown in round nine.

Doctors had attempted to drain the lung but felt, after it collapsed a third time, that surgery was unavoidable. It is understood the operation – the first Hutchison has undertaken for the injury – occurred on Tuesday morning.

Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand with No Ad-Breaks During Play. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

“Drew is back in hospital,” Hutchison’s manager David Riolo said. “He has had to have surgery – his lung has collapsed a third time. It’s collapsed again – it’s a bit scary and it’s a worry. Hopefully this doesn’t impact his career in any way.

“He was in hospital after the game for three or four days, he came out and then went back in again a week-and-a-half ago after it collapsed again. Now he is back in again and has had to have surgery. There is a hole in his lung from where the ribs hit. It keeps filling up.

Drew Hutchison suffered a punctured lung after being kneed in the back by Dylan Brown.

“The second time, the doctor sent him for a scan because he said he felt a bit funny. He was in a fair bit of pain when it happened. It’s more shortness of breath and being uncomfortable.”

Brown was later charged with a grade three dangerous contact and accepted the early plea. He was suspended for three games, returning for Parramatta’s round 13 game against Newcastle.

Hutchison sustained the injury after scoring a try in the Roosters 31-18 loss to Bankwest Stadium. He was taken to Westmead Hospital with fractured ribs and a punctured lung.

Drew Hutchison is still enduring pain and shortness of breath from the round nine incident.

Before being taken from the stadium by ambulance, Hutchison required oxygen and underwent an ultrasound.

“He is getting best medical care and hopefully they will get it sorted,” Riolo said. “He is the best place for that to happen. Hopefully he is back on deck and is fit and healthy – and going hard — as soon as possible.”

Roosters coach Trent Robinson could not be contacted on Tuesday night.

It is known, though, that Roosters officials are becoming increasingly concerned about Hutchinson’s on-going lung problems.

Despite Hutchison screaming in agony, it took the bunker 20 minutes to call out Brown, who was finally placed on report and then subsequently suspended.

It promoted an irate Robinson to declare: “Guy goes to hospital and then how long would that? 20 minutes later, you put him on report. It’s ridiculous.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Drew Hutchison back in hospital after lung collapsed for third time