Reds midfield star out of Final
INJURY UPDATE: The Queensland Reds have been dealt a hefty injury blow ahead of the Super Rugby AU Final.
The Reds confirmed on Thursday that centre Hunter Paisami could be sidelined for approximately four weeks.
He suffered a facial fracture during last Friday’s match against the Western Force in Perth.
Paisami fractured his cheekbone in the 31st minute, following heavy contact from the Force defence.
However, the injury does not require surgery.
After finishing the regular season top of the standings, Queensland earned a bye week ahead of hosting the Super Rugby AU Grand Final in Brisbane on May 8.
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The 23-year-old Wallaby centre, who along with teammate Harry Wilson, was Australia’s breakout stars in 2020, left the field late in the first half during their shock 27-30 loss last week.
Paisami – the straight running centre – was clobbered in a crushing tackle from Tevita Kuridrani.
He took no further part in the match, as the Force sealed their maiden play-off appearance with the come-from-behind win.
Since making his Super Rugby debut last year, Paisami has been the most potent back in Australian rugby.
With Paisami ruled out, the Reds could shift Jordan Petaia from the wing to outside centre – the position he played during the Wallabies’ World Cup quarterfinal loss to England in 2019.
In Paisami’s absence, Josh Flook has worn the No.13 jersey recently.
