NRL: Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita placed in induced coma after suffering serious throat injury

Cronulla Sharks forward Andrew Fifita has been placed in an induced coma after a serious throat injury suffered during his team's loss to Newcastle on Sunday.

The 32-year-old was rushed to hospital in an ambulance on Sunday evening after a collision with Knights star Tyson Frizell early in the second half.

The club confirmed via a statement that Fifita suffered a "significant" laryngeal injury.

Fifita is in a stable condition but was placed into an induced coma by hospital staff to assist with breathing after severe swelling of the larynx, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

According to reports he experienced breathing difficulties and was treated by paramedics at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe after first being taken into the Cronulla dressing room to receive treatment from the club's medical team.

He was spotted near the fence of the field behind the goal posts being looked at by paramedics 20 minutes after the game, according to AAP.

After being assessed by paramedics, Fifita was rushed to hospital.

Andrew Fifita of the Sharks. Photo / Getty

The club confirmed Fifita's wife Nikki has travelled to be by his bedside in hospital.

"The Sharks can confirm that Andrew Fifita suffered an injury to his throat, following an incident early in the second half of today's match against Newcastle," the club statement read.

"After the match Andrew reported difficulty swallowing. He was also noted to have a hoarse voice at this time and his care was escalated to the paramedics with a suspected laryngeal injury.

"He was taken via ambulance to hospital, where a significant laryngeal injury was confirmed.

"Andrew remains in hospital, where he is receiving the best possible care. The Sharks will provide further updates when they become available."

Fifita earlier also needed to be medically assessed for a tackle in the first half which left him needing to be taken from the field to undergo a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

He was able to return to the field in the second half before he was taken from the field as a result of his contact with Frizell.