Ryan Brierley made a return to rugby league action in Leigh Centurions’ 42-14 defeat to St Helens on Thursday night after more than a month out with a horrific eye injury.
A deep cut that kept opening whenever the playmaker opened up his eye meant that Brierley had to be rushed in for emergency surgery.
Unfortunately for Brierley and Leigh, the problem didn’t stop there with a bleed behind his eye developing.
That, in turn, meant that the Leigh star had to wait another six weeks before he was considered for further surgery, extending his time on the sideline even further.
Now, Brierley has spoken exclusively to Serious About Rugby League about just what happened.
“I had a broken eye socket with really bad double vision,” Brierley said.
“It’s been a nightmare and it was pretty scary if I’m being honest.
“It was even worse when they were talking about me potentially being blind.
“To be able to say ‘I was almost blind’ isn’t really the greatest thing.”
The Leigh fullback is still desperate to his bit for the Centurions as the business end of the season approaches.
“I played against St Helens and I just wanted to do my bit for the team even if I probably shouldn’t be playing.”
WARNING graphic photos:
Thank you @GMProjects2017 for the emergency eye procedure this morning, don’t know what we’d have done 😩 you’re a star ❤️ pic.twitter.com/84CGNfYdWS
— Ryan Brierley (@RyanBrierley) July 2, 2021
Huddersfield Giants
“Do your job!” – Sky Sports pundits take aim at ‘selfish’ Jake Connor
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
Huddersfield Giants
Jake Connor takes swipe at Leeds Rhinos fans
