LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy faced a brutal reality when his decision to include Nelson Asofa-Solomona in the lineup resulted in his star centre Nick Meaney suffering a suspected jaw fracture during a match against Penrith.
Despite the Storm's victory over the defending premiers, the cost of the win was high as Meaney was taken out by his own teammate in a collision that left him in serious agony.
Andrew Johns highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, "Nelson got him for sure ...
surely he has to come off." Initial hopes of Meaney returning to the field were dashed when it was revealed that he had a suspected fractured jaw, with potential complications and a recovery period of one to two months.
Bellamy's gamble in including Asofa-Solomona, who had faced suspension in the past, backfired as the enforcer's aggressive play led to his teammate's injury.
The decision to play Asofa-Solomona, despite potential controversy surrounding his playing return, resulted in consequences that Bellamy and the Storm now have to deal with.