Manly lose two players in 23 seconds, Tolu Koula knocked out, Jake Trbojevic HIA, Roosters vs Sea Eagles, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, rugby league news – MASHAHER

Manly had the start from hell in their semi-final loss to the Sydney Roosters after losing two players to HIA’s in the opening 23 seconds of the match.

Tolu Koula and Jake Trbojevic were both been taken from the field after suffering head knocks.

Koula was knocked out trying to tackle Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, with more drama from the following carry when Trbojevic clashed heads with Lindsay Collins.

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Waerea-Hargreaves, who had just returned from a suspension for a high tackle, wasn’t penalised or put on report for raising his arm in the tackle.

It’s the second time this season a hit up from the opening kickoff involving Waerea-Hargreaves has resulted in a would-be defender being knocked out for the game.

In the ANZAC Day clash, Dragons’ Moses Suli failed a HIA after coming off second best trying to tackle a rampaging Waerea-Hargreaves.

“There’s a problem for Tolu Koula the hero of the win against the Bulldogs that got them to this point,” Fox League’s Warren Smith said.

“He’s in trouble and his night may be over after one play.”

Greg Alexander said he was surely gone.

“What a blow it is for Manly I don’t think he recovers this. Up quick to make the tackle and got his head in the wrong position and he was down and out – I can’t see him staying on the field.

“Just didn’t get himself in a good position and that can happen off the kick-off.”

Then tragedy struck again on the very next hit-up when Jake Trbojevic looked to be concussed after colliding with Collins.

“Oh Jake’s gone. Jake’s gone,” Alexander said.

Smith said he couldn’t recall a more dramatic start to a match in all his years calling rugby league.

“Jake is in all sorts of trouble here,” he said.

“This is one of the more incredible openings to a game you will ever see.

“He is rubber-legged and just like that Manly might have already have to activate the 18th man.

“23 seconds of play and they have lost two players,” Smith said.

Alexander was also in shock, describing the start to the final as unbelievable.

“Have you ever seen anything like this?” Alexander said.

“Never,” Steve Roach added.

Trbojevic was ruled a Category Two HIA and was clear to return to the game.