Kangaroos debutant Harry Grant had an injury scare during a training session just four days out from the World Cup.
The Australian hooker was one of seven players named to make their first appearance in the green and gold ahead of Sunday’s (AEDT) game against Fiji in England.
But just hours later, Grant had to receive medical attention when he accidentally slammed into a goalpost during training with the national team.
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Grant had been chasing teammate Reuben Cotter in a simulation drill when he dived, slid and collided with the upright, hurting his ribs.
He finished the training session but had to have ice strapped to his ribs.
The incident was captured exclusively by 9News cameras, and he was quizzed on the injury afterwards.
“I cleaned the post up, but I’m not too bad. I got through the session pretty good,” Grant told 9News.
“It was just a bit of pain at the start.”
Grant has been named to start on the bench against Fiji.
The other Kangaroos debutants named by coach Mal Meninga are Pat Carrigan, Cotter, Jeremiah Nanai, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Angus Crichton, and Murray Taulagi.
“Every Aussie kid growing up dreams of playing for Australia,” Grant said.
“I remember the World Cups back in the day, getting up, setting alarms at all hours of the night to get up and watch the games.
“To be here doing it now is pretty special.”
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