Manly forward Joel Thompson is recovering in hospital after suffering a nasty fall while partying with friends during the long weekend.
Thompson is in a stable condition after sustaining a facial injury and severe concussion when he fell down a hill and smashed his head into rocks while drinking with friends on Sunday night on the Central Coast.
The 31-year-old was airlifted to hospital and had a gash on his head stapled together.
Manly issued a brief statement on Wednesday saying Thompson was expected to be released from hospital later in the week.
Thompson posted a photo on social media of himself in a neck brace, saying he had been involved in a "real bad accident".
"Big lesson learnt around drinking and partying... Thinking of you all," he said in the Instagram post.
He said in an interview the incident was a "massive wake-up call".
"I didn't think I'd survive. But I've come through it," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"I'm in survival mode and it's been a mess but I am OK."
Thompson made 22 appearances for the Sea Eagles this season, scoring seven tries.
Australian Associated Press
