FEARS that Dubbo Westside reserve grade player Kaine Ashby had suffered a severe neck injury have been eased after the utility was released from Dubbo Hospital on Sunday night.
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Play had to be halted during the Rabbitohs 40-20 win over Parkes on Sunday as ambulance officers attended to Ashby, stabilising him before transporting him to the hospital.
In a sign of the goodwill displayed between the two clubs, Westside president Col Fuller yesterday emailed his Parkes counterpart Lionel Harris to pass on his thanks for the way the Spacemen had handled the situation.
In the email he also indicated Ashby's injury wasn't as bad as it had first appeared.
"Kaine Ashby... was released from hospital late last night. He was telling my son he had a serious jarred neck, he will be wearing a neck brace for the next 24/48 hrs so hope everything's OK," the email said.
"Our club, reserve grade coaches Robbie Olsen and Chad Parkes would like to forward a big thank you to your trainers that supported our player in need.
"I think our clubs showed the sportsmanship 100 per cent on the day when it comes to players well being."
Meanwhile, the NSW Country under-16s started their tour of New Zealand with a narrow 18-17 win over the Otahuhu Leopards on Sunday.
Featuring Dubbo Macquarie junior Kane McDermott and coached by Andrew Ryan, the Country side rallied late after appearing destined for defeat
After a tense first half that saw Country take a slim 10-8 lead into the sheds, it was Otahuhu who looked to have sealed the game with a late field-goal, before a regathered short kick-off and penalty gave Country a chance to win the game with seconds remaining on the clock.
Singleton's James Bradley made no mistakes with the attempt at goal, converting the penalty from 35 metres out for a memorable Country victory.