Rugby League: Barnett's face reconstructed after clash

By PETER JESSUP

Kiwi rugby league captain Richie Barnett remained in Sydney Hospital yesterday after a full facial reconstruction was required following a smashing head clash with Kangaroo wing Wendell Sailor in the Anzac test.

Barnett suffered breaks to both cheekbones and his nose when Sailor's forehead collected his face in an action doctors described as the perfect head-butt.

There was nothing nasty in Sailor's intent before the collision, which saw Barnett carried from the field on a stretcher midway through the second half, his face a mess of blood. The Roosters' fullback/centre will be out for at least eight weeks, and up to 12, putting his season in jeopardy.

Melbourne's Matt Rua is unlikely to start against the Bulldogs tomorrow, after a scan revealed he had torn neck ligaments after a tackle on Kangaroo replacement Chris McKenna. He could be out from one to four weeks.

McKenna will not play at Ericsson Stadium for the Sharks today, because of torn ankle ligaments. Coach John Lang has put Sean Ryan and Andrew Pierce into the second row and Paul McNicholas comes on to the bench.