South Sydney are expected to be scrutinised by the NRL after a suspected paramedic booking bungle caused a 100-minute delay to their trial match against Manly, almost forcing the game to be abandoned.
Manly eventually ran out 34-24 winners in Gosford, with Lehi Hopoate impressing in attack and young winger Navren Willett scoring a double.
The match was slated to start at 3.30pm AEDT but, with no paramedic on site at Central Coast Stadium, it became doubtful whether it would get underway at all.
It’s understood a booking oversight likely led to the issue.
Cameron Murray signs autographs for fans during the game delay.Credit: Getty Images
The NRL, who were making inquiries around the circumstances on Saturday evening, did not comment.
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly confirmed the club were looking into the matter.
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“We’re reviewing the circumstances of the delay to the start of the game, and we will comment when the review is complete,” Solly said.
A medical emergency was initially thought to be the catalyst for the delay, after a spectator suffered a suspected heart attack in the lead up to the match.
An ambulance had to be called, with paramedics arriving and taking the woman to Gosford Hospital.
But, after those treating paramedics left, there were no on-duty medicos at the ground.
Solly told this masthead on Sunday that the fan had spent the night in hospital but was alert, responsive and hopeful of making a quick recovery.
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