Cameron Smith. Photo / Getty Images
Kiwi forward Adam Blair has accidentally boosted the Brisbane Broncos prospects against his club - deposed NRL premiers Melbourne.
Melbourne and Kangaroos kingpin Cameron Smith was injured tackling Blair, his Melbourne clubmate and the Kiwis vice-captain, during the Anzac test.
Smith was sidelined from the Kangaroos' 12-8 victory in
the 28th minute after hyper-extending his right elbow when Blair went to ground on top of his club captain.
The tangle means Smith is almost certain to miss today's round nine clash with the Broncos at Friday night's test venue, AAMI Park.
"He just got stuck underneath me," Blair explained. "Hopefully he's all right. As soon as he screamed, I stopped trying to play the ball."
Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer and second rower Sam Thaiday also face medicals before they are confirmed in Brisbane's squad for today's NRL match.
The Kiwis were also in the wars with Sam Rapira and impressive debutant Zeb Taia both troubled by knee injuries.
Taia led the Kiwis yardage statistics with 138-metres despite playing only 47 minutes. He sustained ligament damage late in the first half and was only used sparingly in the second spell after his right knee was strapped.
Taia is in doubt for Newcastle's home match against the Gold Coast Titans today while Rapira, who was limping around the Kiwis dressing room, at least has time to recover with the New Zealand Warriors having a bye this weekend.
Meanwhile, Manly centre Steve Matai has escaped further censure after he was penalised and placed on report by English referee Richard Silverwood for a 39th minute late hit on Kangaroos fullback Billy Slater.
A judicial review determined the on-field penalty was deemed sufficient, meaning Matai was able to line-up for the Sea Eagles against competition leaders St George Illawarra at Brookvale Oval last night.
- NZPA
