The St George Illawarra Dragons have announced that fringe first-grade forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been hospitalized for precautionary scans on his neck following a training incident on Thursday.
Images emerged around lunchtime showing a player being transported into an ambulance on a spinal board while fellow teammates observed from a distance.
The photograph, reportedly captured from the grandstand, did not clearly reveal the identity of the injured player.
Now confirmed by the Dragons, the injured player is Loko Pasifiki Tonga; however, specific details surrounding the incident remain sparse. The club stated that he was in communication with medical personnel and did not lose consciousness.
"St George Illawarra Dragons forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga was taken to hospital for precautionary scans following a suspected neck injury sustained at training today," the club mentioned in a brief statement issued on Thursday afternoon.
"He was conscious and communicating with medical staff at all times."
"The club will provide an update on his condition once further information becomes available."
Pasifiki Tonga, who made his debut in 2025 and is recognized as one of the promising young forwards in the sport, has not yet been selected for the Dragons' initial matches of the season.
This situation has triggered speculation about his future with the team, as he has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his limited opportunities in the top grade.