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.

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.