Having watched the Eels vs Storm game live at CommBank Stadium last Friday with a large swathe of locals – whose taste in sport was sufficiently parochial to be selectively celebrating the resounding excellence of the Eels – the injury to Cameron Munster was immediately noticed by all as he exited the field (Compound interest, 7/3). The horrifying photos displayed in Tuesday’s Telegraph identify the full extent of his phalangeal compound fracture-dislocation. Having worked with orthopaedic surgeons throughout my career, the gravity of this injury cannot be underestimated. Whether a functional joint is restored might be doubted, but the delay in medical treatment, apparent absence of early antibiotic prophylaxis and the involvement in further play demonstrates a greater lack of insight by the NRL than the current controversy in managing head injuries with concussion. Hand infections significantly interfere with functionality and might easily terminate careers if infections become chronic. The proliferation of antibiotic resistance, the health of a young player and the wanton disregard for best medical practice ought to be urgently considered if the NRL is to be trusted with our fittest and most athletic youth. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 8Mar2023.