NRL star loses a chunk of his ear after sickening clash

Recently in Super League we’ve nearly seen one player lose an ear.

That was Catalans skipper Ben Garcia in the clash against Warrington Wolves at the Magic Weekend and it required stitches and saw him miss the defeat to Salford last week.

Now a similar incident has occurred in the NRL.

Penrith Panthers star Stephen Crichton has been left requiring plastic surgery after a head high tackle from Cronulla forward Dale Finucane.

Penrith doctor Scott Reid was tasked with keeping the ear together after the clash which tore into his ear leaving a massive gap in it.

The incident occurred in the 71st minute and leaves his place in the side for the clash against Parramatta up in the air even if the surgery is a success with him needing to pass the NRL’s HIA to be able to feature next week.

On the incident Penrith coach said: “If you have seen this ear, it is like a car crash. His ear is awful so is going off to get plastic surgery now.

“He has seen better days but he is in good spirits.”

If you want to see the ear in question, keep reading but those of a squeamish disposition I’d suggest looking away now.

https://twitter.com/LaraPitt_/status/1550776736450695168?s=20&t=dAWgwKzf6vx6fnVNXW6fsA

⚠️ GRAPHIC CONTENT ⚠️

This is the result of a head clash between Dale Finucane and Stephen Crichton.

The @PenrithPanthers centre has been sent to hospital for plastic surgery to repair his left ear.

Rugba leeg…she’s a tough sport 😅

📸 @chukstagram #NRLPanthersSharks pic.twitter.com/lTR0rATn0D

— Zac Bailey (@ZacBailey14) July 23, 2022

It is a nasty one and as bad as Garcia’s who is set to return today against Huddersfield Giants.

So it stands to reason that it could be weeks until we see Crichton take to the field again.