The St George Illawarra Dragons have confirmed fringe first-grade forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been taken to hospital for precautionary scans on his neck after a training accident on Thursday.
Images first surfaced on Thursday at around lunch time of a player being loaded into an ambulance on a spinal board while the remainder of the Dragons' playing squad looked on.
The image - taken seemingly from the grandstand - couldn't clearly identify who the player was.
The Dragons have now confirmed that it was forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga; however, they provided no further details as to the nature of the incident, other than to say he was communicating with medical staff and never lost consciousness.
"St George Illawarra Dragons forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga was taken to hospital for precautionary scans following a suspected neck injury sustained at training today," the club wrote in a short statement provided early on Thursday afternoon.
"He was conscious and communicating with medical staff at all times.
"The club will provide an update on his condition once further information becomes available."
Pasifiki Tonga, who debuted in 2025 and is touted as one of the best young forwards in the game, has missed selection for the Dragons' opening games of the season.
It has led to some speculation regarding his future at the club, with the forward reportedly frustrated over a lack of game time in the top grade.
He has kicked off the season in reserve grade, where he played 41 minutes against the Bulldogs, running for 96 metres, and scored a try to go with 188 metres in a heavy win over the Melbourne Storm in Round 2.
He was named to start in reserve grade again this weekend against the Parramatta Eels, but is now unlikely to take his place.
