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It was a moment that robbed the Bulldogs of one their best players in their most important game of the year and it left Gary Kemble feeling a little deflated.
Sitting in his lounge watching last Saturday's match between the Bulldogs and the Eels, Kemble immediately knew Sonny Bill Williams had broken his arm.
On top of another operation to Benji Marshall's fragile shoulders, the injury to Williams deprived Kemble of his best player. Throughout Brian McClennan's two-year reign, Williams played only one of the 15 tests. Marshall played two.
Welcome to the life of Kiwis coach, Mr Kemble.
"It's the reality of being Kiwis coach," Kemble says philosophically. "You have to have plan Bs up your sleeve because things like that are always going to happen."
In fact, Kemble seems like a man who has worked out his plan Bs, Cs and Ds. For the past four weeks since being named as McClennan's successor, the 51-year-old former Kiwis fullback has been piecing together every aspect of the Kiwis intensive five-test programme that kicks off against Australia on October 15.
He has watched more rugby league than he cares to remember, talked to countless people on both sides of the Tasman about players and playing philosophies and worked out training programmes and travel arrangements.
"I just can't wait to get out on the training field," says Kemble, who has taken a few steps back from his real estate business. "It's been pretty hectic but we've done all the work and I just want it to start."
That time is getting closer, with the selectors naming a 23-man squad towards the end of next week before the players assemble on October 5.
It is a significant transition period for the Kiwis following the acrimonious departure of McClennan to take up the top job with Leeds. One of Kemble's priorities was to speak with players who had been loyal to McClennan to explain his approach.
"The hardest part, I thought, would have been getting everyone on board, especially the players because they were hearing rumours," he says. "It was vital we got over there [to Australia] straight away to map out what we were going to do.
"That worked, it really worked. I have worked with most of the players before but it was important just to get their confidence back. They knew who I was but I needed to fill in a few gaps and let them know what we would be doing."
Kemble joked that it felt like a series of job interviews but during his time in Australia with assistants James Leuluai and Phil Prescott he was able to confirm the intentions of players who were eligible for, in some cases, three countries.
Importantly, players like young Dragons centre Chase Stanley and Eels prop Fuifui Moimoi have indicated their aspirations to play for the Kiwis despite the attentions of Australia and both could find themselves in the 23-man Kiwis squad. Others like Storm second-rower Jeremy Smith and Wests Tigers winger Tanila Tuiaki have also pledged their allegiance to New Zealand.
"It's an exciting time to be a part of the Kiwis. In years gone by we might have wondered who could replace Sonny Bill but we've got two or three lining up," Kemble says, referring to the likes of Smith, Ben Te'o, Greg Eastwood and Epalahame Lauaki along with more experienced campaigners in David Kidwell, Frank Pritchard and Ali Lautiiti.
"There are a lot of young players stepping up and a lot of them are New Zealand-born or New Zealand-eligible. The depth we have available is as good as it has ever been."
It's for this reason that there is optimism that New Zealand can finally claim the World Cup 54 years after it was first contested.
Although the immediate focus is on the tests against Australia, Great Britain and France, more than one eye is on next year's World Cup and a number of selections for next month's tour will be made with this in mind. Developing combinations, particularly in the key positions of hooker and the halves, will be critical.
The games will also give Kemble a chance to introduce his style of play. Like McClennan, he's big on team culture but he also wants to develop more of an attacking edge.
"We can get into the Australian rut of a structured game," he says. "Kiwi teams have always done well when they attack. I'm looking for something different, different plays that utilise flair. Supporting the ball carrier is a big thing of mine and I don't think we do it enough."
Kemble is an amiable figure who seems to know where he wants to go. He's cordial and calm - although he says he's capable of a good rant - and believes in honesty with players.
He admits that after four weeks in the job he feels like Kiwis coach - injuries to both Williams and Marshall just make that more real.
* The NZRL will not invite anyone else to play the Dally Messenger role for the All Golds next month after Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) was ruled out.
