AUSTRALIAN centre Phil Bailey will not play again on tour thanks to a wayward tackle from Kangaroos teammate Michael Crocker.
Bailey was in hospital last night with a fractured eye socket and bleeding into the pupil.
His eye was closed at fulltime.
Crocker came across and accidentally hit Bailey in the final tackle of Australia's dramatic 22-18 win over Great Britain in the first Test at JJB Stadium, Wigan, yesterday.
Up until that moment, Bailey had experienced a mixed evening.
Great Britain had targeted him down their left side and made a number of breaks. To combat this, Australian coach Chris Anderson moved Brett Kimmorley to Bailey's side in defence for some help.
"They had both their playmakers on one side so we moved Brett to the other side at half-time," said Anderson.
Bailey, who scored Australia's first try in the 11th minute, said the intensity of yesterday morning's game was "unbelievable".
"It was hard and fast and the 10 metres was short," Bailey said.
"It was the most brutal game I have played in.
"Great Britain weren't going to be intimidated. It was such a great atmosphere out there."
Bailey was kept in hospital overnight for observation but is expected to be released today.
With Bailey out, Anderson has several options in finding a replacement.
Michael De Vere may come straight in however Anderson may move Shannon Hegarty into centre and name either Matt Sing or Luke Lewis on the wing.
There are no suggestions Australia will send home for a replacement.
Aside from Bailey, Kimmorley has a corked thigh, Craig Fitzgibbon sustained concussion while Hegarty has an ankle injury.
The Australian camp hope all three will be available for the second Test in Hull next weekend.
Australia may look at video footage of British hooker Terry Newton's tackle on Fitzgibbon.
Penrith's Trent Waterhouse made a huge impact in his Test debut, showing enormous power and scoring a try from a Darren Lockyer grubber kick in the 31st minute.
"It was awesome," Waterhouse said.
The Daily Telegraph
