Souths face sanction as NRL investigates medical emergency

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly facing sanctions as the NRL scrutinises a 100-minute pre-season game delay.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are reportedly being scrutinised by the NRL after a suspected paramedic booking error that resulted in their trial against Manly being delayed by 100 minutes.

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Manly’s 34-24 win in Gosford was scheduled to commence at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon, but the players didn’t get on the field until 5.10pm as there was no paramedic on site at Central Coast Stadium.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported a booking oversite is understood to be the reason for the delay rather than the medical episode in the crowd as originally reported.

The NRL were making inquiries around the circumstances of the incident on Saturday evening.

South Sydney CEO Blake Solly confirmed the club were also conducting a review into the matter.

“We’re reviewing the circumstances of the delay to the start of the game, and we will comment when the review is complete,” Solly said.

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South Sydney face sanction from the NRL over a paramedic booking error.

A medical emergency was initially thought to be the catalyst for the delay, after a spectator suffered a suspected heart attack prior to kick-off.

An ambulance was called to the stadium, with paramedics arriving and taking the woman to Gosford Hospital.

But, after those paramedics left, there were no on-duty medicos at the ground to allow play to start.

Under NRL guidelines, home clubs are responsible for booking paramedics for matches, with a requirement for an intensive care unit paramedic and one other.

The NRL attempted to make calls to NSW Ambulance requesting personnel for the game, but they were unable to guarantee one at late notice.

30 minutes into the 100 minute delay, a plea was eventually broadcast over the stadium’s loudspeaker requesting any intensive care paramedics in the crowd to come forward.

An intensive care paramedic and intensive care unit doctor eventually came forward, with the NRL deciding whether they were qualified to play the roles for the game to start.

Eventually the game was given the green light to commence, following a series of calls involving NRL hierarchy, senior medical staff and head of football Graham Annesley.

If a booking oversight is found to have caused the delay, the NRL could issue the home club (Souths) a breach notice and hand down a fine.

A similar issue occurred in the NRLW last year at an Eels home game.

Originally published as Souths face sanction as NRL investigates medical emergency