Kimbe Cutters forward in critical condition after suffering neck injury

Kimbe Cutters forward Ray Amos sustained a serious neck injury during last weekend’s Digicel ExxonMobil Cup match and remains in a critical condition following surgery at Port Moresby General Hospital.

The incident occurred just four minutes into the first half, moments after Amos scored a try during the round 5 tripple header at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday.

Medical personnel, including two doctors assigned to the match, immediately treated Amos on the field before he was transported by St John Ambulance to POM Gen, where he underwent surgery late Sunday night.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League [PNGRFL] chief executive officer Stanley Hondina visited the former Gulf Isou’s family at the hospital and offered assurances of continued support.

“This is an unfortunate event and I have met with the family at the hospital to reassure them that Mr Amos will receive the best medical health,” Hondina said.

“As a game we continue to ensure that he gets the best treatment available. Please join me in praying for Ray and his family at this time. The rugby league family as a whole will provide all needed support.”

Hondina clarified the decision to transfer Amos to Port Moresby General Hospital was made on the recommendation of the attending on-field doctor, citing the hospital’s specialized neurosurgery team.

Following the incident, the PNGRFL Match Review Committee conducted a full review of the game footage.

PNGRFL general manager for pathways and performance Tony Archer, confirmed that the review found no evidence of foul play.

“We undertook a rigorous review of all angles of this incident. There is no evidence of foul play. The Viper’s player, Gairo Voro was sent to the Sin Bin following the scoring of the try,” Archer said.

“There was no action by Gairo Voro that related to foul play.”

He extended his sympathies to Amos and commended the rugby league community for rallying in support.

“Supporting each other in difficult times is one of the things that makes the game of Rugby League great,” Archer added.

PNGRFL has committed to providing regular updates on Mr Amos’s condition and treatment in the coming days.