Shane Flanagan reveals Raymond Faitala-Mariner had likely asthma attack during game after half time departure
Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has revealed Raymond Faitala-Mariner likely suffered an "asthma attack" against the Dolphins after he left the field early.
At half time, Nine's Marlee Silva reported the forward had left the field with shortness of breath. He was listed as a half time interchange.
Post-match, Flanagan gave a cautious update on the situation.
READ MORE: Building the Bears: Key targets and roster traps Mal must avoid
READ MORE: 'That stuff can bite you': Star's cocky act divides AFL
READ MORE: Madge ripped for axing Broncos 'scapegoat' Cobbo
Raymond Faitala-Mariner during the Dragons' clash with the Dolphins. NRL Imagery
"I think it was something like an asthma attack, pretty bad. I haven't got any details as yet," he told reporters.
"I just spoke to the boys then just quickly and haven't seen anyone from our medical department. I'm not quite sure."
He wasn't the only concern for the Dragons.
Christian Tuipulotu, who was returning from a hamstring injury, left the field in the 20th minute with what was described as "hamstring awareness".
Christian Tuipulotu in the sheds. Nine
Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
"That's something else we'll need to review. We gave him an extra week and I didn't see him do much prior to it so it's really frustrating from a coach's perspective," Flanagan said.
"It's an area we're not flush with and to lose your winger in the first half makes it really hard."
Tuipulotu had come into the side at the expense of Tyrell Sloan.
The Dolphins also had an injury issue.
Max Plath returned from a foot injury but then left in the 49th minute with a knee problem.
Post-match, Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said it was a "low level" medial injury.
