AN on-field seizure suffered by Wests Tigers forward Michael Chee Kam has overshadowed their 26-16 loss to Parramatta, coach by Batemans Bay's Brad Arthur, at Bankwest Stadium.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Chee Kam convulsed on the ground following his attempted tackle on Eels second-rower Shaun Lane midway through the first half on Thursday night.
Chee Kam's head hit Lane's hip before thudding into the turf, with play stopped for about 10 minutes before he was taken off on a medicab and rushed to hospital.
Club officials said he was conscious following his exit.
"He spoke to everyone before he left. He's gone to hospital to get checked up, but he's OK," Tigers coach Michael Maguire said post-game.
"They were concerned there, I'd imagine. But he's OK."
Chee Kam was one of three Tigers who failed to finish a willing contest, with Adam Doueihi and Sam McIntyre retiring early with concussion.
Former Tigers second-rower Ryan Matterson was also ruled out of the game after being knocked out by a Russell Packer carry in the 15th minute.
Left with just 14 fit players for the final 35 minutes, Maguire's side showed plenty of character to stay within two tries for most of the second half.
However, Eels winger Maika Sivo put them out of their misery when he claimed his second try in the 65th minute, sending his side to the top of the ladder.
Parramatta star Mitchell Moses made a successful return from injury with a magical solo try, while skipper Clint Gutherson had three try assists.
Tensions between the two clubs hit fever pitch during the week after details emerged of Matterson's apparent ugly split from the Tigers over the summer.
His former teammates did not have to wait long to claim early bragging rights, with Luciano Leilua barging past him to score the opening points in the second minute.
Sivo and opposite David Nofoaluma traded tries thereafter before Matterson was forced from the field after he reeled out of an attempted tackle on Packer.
Gutherson and Moses then took over.
Gutherson put Reagan Campbell-Gillard away on a rare 50-metre run to the tryline before Moses doubled their lead with some old-school individual brilliance.
Eyeing Doueihi out of position in the defensive line, Moses chipped and regathered to give his team a six-point lead at the break.
Gutherson completed a composed performance for the Eels by setting up tries for Lane and Sivo - his 21st in 18 games at this venue - in the second half.
"We knew they were going to want to throw everything at us in the first 20 minutes but yeah, we found a way to win," Eels coach Brad Arthur said.
"But we've still got a fair bit to work on. It wasn't great."
Tigers winger Tommy Talau scored a consolation try but to cause further concern for Maguire, Doueihi (shoulder charge) and Packer (crusher) were put on report.
