Aquis Titans centre Nathan Davis says he had never experienced pain like what he had to endure yesterday when his right leg buckled in a tackle on Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker yesterday.
He was talking exclusive to Titans TV today before he undergoes surgery on the leg that was dislocated and broken in the 22nd minute of yesterday’s clash at Cbus Super Stadium.
“I knew as soon as I came down under the tackle I’d broken it,” he said.
“I felt it go.
“I think I was in more shock than anything though. I couldn’t believe it.
“It’s the worst pain I’ve ever had. Just unbelievable.
“I don’t remember much else about the tackle, although I’ve watched it a few times since.
“It’s part of the game, injuries. I know it will be tough watching the boys for the rest of the season when I really wanted to contribute but I’m really determined to come back next season stronger and fitter.”
Davis had a fractured dislocation in the tackle that also involved teammate Anthony Don trying to put Croker on the ground. The dislocation was reduced at the ground before he was taken by ambulance to hospital. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr Price Gallie will operate this afternoon.
The 20-year-old centre, who was playing his eighth NRL match after joining from Parramatta this season, had emerged gradually on the Gold Coast after making his debut in round one against Newcastle Knights.
He had concentrated on improving his diet, training capacity and preparation and the benefits were obvious as he took to the NRL at right centre.
He will be sidelined for the rest of the season and is likely to have the leg in a cast or boot for two months. He hopes to be right to begin the pre-season in November or soon after.
Yet, as devastated as the blow is, he says he will not let the benefits of the past nine months of the Gold Coast go to waste.
“I was really feeling good and felt I was playing some good footy. I pretty as keen to learn more and improve going into the rest of the season,” he said from his hospital bed with partner Alex by his side.
“I was just trying to cement my position in the team but this is part of the job and I’m just going to get stuck in whenever I can back to training and make sure I start the pre-season in a better position than I did before this season.
“It’s going to be tough not being able to do anything so I have to make sure it doesn’t cut into my fitness too much.
“I’ll be right. I have a lot of support around me.
“I’m confident that I know now what the NRL is about now and how hard I have to work.
“I’ll be back.”
Davis’ injuries has certainly put pressure on the Titans with stocks thin in the outside backs.
With co-captain and fullback William Zillman missing yesterday’s game with a foot injury (he hopes to return against the Warriors on Saturday), Chris McQueen had to go from the back row to left centre and after he was taken off, Zeb Taia had to fill in on the right.
With David Mead, John Olive and Konrad Hurrell all injured, even if Zillman returned another centre has to be found for the clash with the Warriors in Auckland.
Mead (knee) and Hurrell (calf) hope to be fit for the Titans’ next game after the Warriors clash, against the Dragons in round 19. Olive (shoulder) will be at least two weeks behind in his return.
Coach Neil Henry said he’s obviously devastated for Davis considering how much work he has put into his game and how are he has developed.
“It’s devastating news for ‘Davo’ considering where he has come from and how much work he has put in to become a regular member of the team and come to grips with the demands week in, week out in the NRL,” he said.
“But he is young with a long career ahead of him and I’m confident he will return next season and keep improving.”
For Nathan Davis' player profile, CLICK HERE
