AUSTRALIAN rugby league player Luke Lewis has spoken of the pain he endured after suffering a freak injury at Langtree Park.

The second-rower dislocated his shoulder after sliding off the field of play and colliding with an advertising hoarding. 

It happened in the second half of the match against Fiji on Saturday night, which the Kangaroos won 34-2 at a rain and wind lashed St Helens.

He will undergo scans today to assess the extent to the injury.

 

With 15 minutes remaining the Cronulla Sharks player chased a blind side kick into the in-goal area as he hunted his second try of the evening.

But after sliding in vain to get the ball his momentum on the slippery pitch sent him careering several metres off the field of play and into the hoarding.

Aussie teammates immediately showed concern for Lewis, who appeared in immense pain. A stretcher was called but he was eventually led from the pitch by medical staff, who supported his damaged shoulder.

Afterwards, Tim Sheens, the Australia coach, said: "Luke Lewis has dislocated his shoulder. It is back in but it is the end of his tour. Medical staff have done a great job.

"He hurt it when he hit the signage, he is in good hands, but it is disappointing."

However, Lewis remain hopeful the damage is not as bad as first feared and that he will play again later in the tournament.