Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has called for urgent changes to protect kickers after star Gold Coast halfback Scott Prince was rushed to hospital after being injured in Brisbane's thrilling 19-18 golden point win. A Titans spokesman said Prince's condition had stabilised at St Andrew's Private Hospital and he was undergoing scans on his neck and collarbone area. Prince's problems occurred after he was crunched in a tackle late in the game after making a kick.
His teammate Clint Amos was also taken to hospital and was to be kept in hospital for observation after suffering concussion. The victory also came at a high price for Brisbane who lost centre Justin Hodges (hamstring) for four to six weeks. The Titans' lengthy injury list also included forward Michael Hodgson (knee) out for the season and James Stosic who has torn his medial ligament.
The fall out from the match overshadowed Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer's spectacular field goal in the first minute of golden point which bounced off both uprights to snatch a 19-18 win in front of a massive crowd of more than 48,000. Minutes before Lockyer's match-winner - his 16th field goal in his record equalling 274th premiership game - Prince was assisted from the field in agony. Titans coach John Cartwright said he knew Prince had injured his collarbone and that there was a complication that it could have been putting pressure on his sternum or spine.
Bennett, who lured Prince from North Queensland to Brisbane where he suffered three serious leg injuries before going to the Tigers, called on officials to immediately introduce a "no contact" rule to safe guard kickers from serious injury. Cronulla halfback Brett Kimmorley is facing a long stint on the sidelines after being injured in Wednesday night's State of Origin when brought down by Queensland forward Steve Price. While Bennett didn't see the incident which led to Prince being hurt, he said it was high time kickers were better looked after.
"The game doesn't protect the kickers enough," said Bennett. "I get sick of seeing him (Darren Lockyer) getting knocked over week after week and the game has to do something about it. "There has to be better protection for the kickers.
"My heart goes in my throat every time I see him kick and someone comes through late and I believe they deserve protection. "It's up to the game to say 'hey, this is not going to be acceptable' and I don't think contact after the kick has gone is acceptable. "I don't believe in any shape, whether it's your legs or your head or whatever, it doesn't matter.
"That's their most vulnerable time and they need to be protected." Teenage forward Dave Taylor, making his fifth appearance for the club, saved the game when he dived over off a Michael Ennis pass in the 78th minute but his victory salute in the air did not impress Bennett. "Yeah, we're going to talk about that, me and Dave," said a stern-faced Bennett.
"And I'm going to do all the talking. "The last thing we need is an 18 year-old lair on our hands." Lockyer was relieved his match-winner fell over the cross bar.
The captain admitted he was feeling guilty after one of his penalty kicks failed to find touch. "That woke them up and they scored two tries," said Lockyer. "I started to kick off to the right, there was a bit of luck," he said.
Cartwright said his players were "shattered" after the loss. "They're not in there (dressing room) partying," he said. Brought to you by When you see news happening: SMS/MMS: 0406 THE AGE (0406 843 243), or us.
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