Rookie prop out for remainder of season

Media Release
For Immediate Release

Rookie prop out for remainder of season

Auckland, New Zealand, July 24, 2001 – Rookie prop Iafeta Paleaaesina has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2001 Telstra Premiership after undergoing a ‘splenectomy’ to remove his torn spleen, suffered during the Warriors 30 – 37 loss to Newcastle last Sunday.

Daniel Anderson said the loss of the 19 year old is a blow to his team as the young prop was playing good football and his go-forward has been an asset to the team.

‘”All we wish at this stage is for Iafeta to return to good health and not worry about playing football for the rest of the year. He knows, and I know, that he can play to the level required in the Telstra Premiership, so he doesn’t have to do anything drastic and rush back from injury ”, said Anderson.

Vodafone Warriors team Doctor, Chris Hanna said that Paleaaesina suffered a small tear to the spleen near the area where blood vessels are attached and due to the risks involved in trying to repair a tear, it is better to remove the spleen through surgery.

“The function of the spleen is to filter the blood and provide a store of immune cells. For Iafeta, the removal of his spleen does not have much affect on his blood but can result in slightly increased risks of certain infections”, said Dr Hanna.

“I haven’t identified exactly when this uncommon but incredibly severe injury occurred, but the fact that it did occur is a reflection of the intensity at which this game is being played, and the players’ commitment to putting their bodies on the line for the team.”

“I expect Iafeta to begin very light rehabilitation training in two weeks and to be able to train at a reasonable level in about two months. In terms of him performing as an elite athlete I have no concerns and expect him to make a full recovery for before 2002 pre-season training commences.”

Mick Watson, general manager of the Vodafone Warriors said that he has visited Iafeta, spoken to his parents and allayed any fears that they may have about his future.

“Iafeta will have a big future with the Vodafone Warriors but what is important now is his well being. We will work as a club to ensure that he is looked after and provided with every possible opportunity to return to first grade football”, said Watson.

Paleaaesina is expected to remain hospitalised for the next 5 days before he returns home.

The Vodafone Warriors next game is against the Canterbury Bulldogs, at Ericsson Stadium, Saturday July 28, 7.30pm local time.

ENDS.

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