Confronting details have emerged of NRL star Andrew Fifita's ordeal after he was placed in an induced coma on Monday because of a serious throat injury.
Cronulla confirmed Fifita suffered a "significant" laryngeal injury during his side's loss to Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, which saw him treated by medics at Moreton Daily Stadium in Redcliffe before being rushed to hospital.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports medical professionals saved Fifita's life by sending him to hospital in an ambulance when they realised his airway was quickly closing.
Fifita's voice reportedly changed as he supported his teammates from the sideline after being taken off in the second half and after full-time he realised he was struggling to breathe.
The Herald reports players, concerned by Fifita's panicked state, left the dressing room to check on his welfare before officials at the ground closed a door to stop people going onto the field while he was being attended to by medics.
