Blacks fullback Josh McCormack gets OK after neck injury scare

McCormack was stabilised on the field before being transported by to the Singleton Hospital for x-rays.

Blacks joint-coach Mick Hickling said everyone at the club was relieved when McCormack was given the OK by doctors and released on Saturday night.

The incident occurred in the early stages of Saturday’s 40-11 win by the Blacks against a game Singleton Bulls, who were celebrating the club’s 50^th anniversary. 

It sent initial fears around both teams given Maitland player Dom Punch’s spinal injury last year.

The victory keeps the Blacks in third spot of the ladder and with a match-of-the-round encounter next week against undefeated Hamiltion.

The Hawks defeated Wanderers 25-20 on Saturday, inflicting the Two Blues first loss of the season.

Hickling said it was unclear whether McCormack would be available for the Hamilton game, but at this point everyone was just happy he had escaped any serious injury.

“I didn’t actually see it happen, but it was one of those incidents when his neck and back were caught awkwardly under another player,” Hickling said.

Hickling said the final score did not truly reflect how close the game was for most of the day.

“It was tight up to about 20 minutes to go and we put three tries on in the end,” he said.

“They had a fair bit of ball at the start of the second half and we managed to keep them out.

“When we went down their end we got a try and I think that broke their back and in the last 10 minutes we scored another two tries.”

Hickling said the Blacks’ defensive effort was again strong.

“We maintained our line speed and good talk in defence. We did concede a couple of line breaks but we were able to cover those up really well,” he said.

Second-rower James Howell was named players’ player and inside-centre Jye Estatheo had another strong game.

Howell’s second-row partner Theo Risley also put in a good game.

Rob Williamson continued his try-scoring run with another five-pointer.