Joel Thompson's Split Tongue Isn't For The Faint-Hearted

GRAPHIC WARNING!

Photos have surfaced on social media of NRL star Joel Thompson's split tongue - and it doesn't make for particularly pleasant viewing.

The Manly forward suffered the gruesome injury in the 26-24 loss at the hands of the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.

If you're squeamish, look away now. You've been warned.

Instagram / Curtis Sironen

But while Thompson's bloodied tongue was ghastly to say the least, another Sea Eagles player suffered an injury far worse.

It was an evening to forget for Des Hassler's battling side, whose loss was compounded by the news of Brendan Elliot's suspected ACL tear.

Elliot, who has been filling in at fullback for the injured Tom Trbojevic, will now face a lengthy stint on the sidelines if scans confirm everyone's fears.

As for Thompson's injury, he saw the funny side of things.

His Manly teammate Curtis Sironen took to social media to share a picture of the split tongue.

"He's tough the old bush goat," Sironen said on his Instagram story.

Second-rower Thompson reshared the picture on Twitter, saying: "Just save my teeth, that's all I care about."

The prospect of finishing the NRL season inside the top eight is still alive for the inconsistent Sea Eagles.

They now face the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday knowing that a win could propel them to within touching distance of a coveted finals spot.

Topics: injury, Rugby League, nrl, Twitter, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry