Manly winger Reuben Garrick has been subbed out of his side’s round-five encounter with Penrith after being concussed.
In a huge blow to the Sea Eagles, Garrick was helped from the field inside the opening three minutes of the match after copping friendly fire in a tackle on Panthers’ backrower Luke Garner.
Garrick immediately appeared unsteady on his feet, with his head injury subsequently ruled a category one with no return.
The outside back was replaced by Corey Waddell, with Ben Trbojevic slotting into the centres.
With a category one concussion, Garrick will miss the Sea Eagles’ next match against the Warriors in Auckland.
Panthers prop Liam Henry was also rubbed out in the 32nd minute following a heavy collision in an attempt to bring down Nathan Brown.
At the half-time break, the hosts lead the reigning premiers 14-6.
Not even a minute earlier, Matthew Cottrell put the Blues in front after marking a ball the Dockers believed was touched – a belief the AFL later confirmed was correct.
Fremantle’s footy boss has backed in young Docker Jordan Clark after a dissent call against him in the dying minutes of Saturday’s game all but sealed the team’s loss to Carlton.
Dockers executive general manager of football Joe Brierty told ABC Radio Perth the club stood behind Clark “with our fans knowing the quality of person he is”.
