Sickening moment State of Origin star James Tedesco is knocked out by a knee to the head – but what happened next leaves fans FURIOUS
- NSW captain James Tedesco was knocked out in the first half of State of Origin
- Tedesco copped an accidental knee from Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii
- The 27-year-old was taken from the field to undertake a head injury assessment
- Wide World of Sports commentator confirmed Tedesco would not return tonight
New South Wales Blues captain James Tedesco has been taken from the field after a brutal collision in the State of Origin decider.
The 27-year-old scored a try in the first half to level the scoreline at 6-6 with the Queensland Maroons before suffering a heavy head knock.
The high flying full back copped an accidental knee in the head from Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii, which left him seeing stars.
Wide World of Sports commentators Ray Warren and Andrew Johns were concerned with Tedesco’s welfare after the horrific clash.
New South Wales captain James Tedesco was knocked out in the first half of the State of Origin decider
Tedesco copped an accidental knee from Queensland’s Josh Papalii which left him seeing stars
‘Got an injured player. One of the Blues is down. Tedesco is hurt,’ Warren said on the broadcast.
‘The Queensland players are calling for someone to come on and help him,’ Johns replied. ‘He’s ga-ga.’
‘This could well be the end of Tedesco’s night,’ Warren replied. ‘He staggered there. He will not be coming back.’
‘This is a big moment in this Origin decider, a big moment. He’s their best player,’ Johns said.
Queensland prop forward Jai Arrow grabbed Tedesco and shook him on the ground after the collision thinking he was still in possession of the ball.
‘No need for that carry on by Jai Arrow,’ Johns said. ‘That’s not needed the extra (shove). The game is hard enough as it is without that rubbish coming into play.’
Tedesco was shaken after the brutal knock as New South Wales trainers rushed to his aid
Fans on social media were outraged with Arrow’s aggressive play.
‘That was a revolting move from Jai Arrow,’ a fan tweeted.
‘Jai Arrow that is absolutely foul,’ another wrote.
After realising Tedesco was injured, Arrow came back to his aid and called for trainers with several other Queensland players.
Tedesco was escorted from the ground to undertake a head injury assessment, which Warren later confirmed he had failed and would not return to the field.
The injury has forced NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler to shuffle his players to fill the void of his star player, with Clint Gutherson moving into the fullback position.
Tedesco is comforted by New South Wales coach Brad Fittler after leaving the field for his head injury assessment