Dragons rocked by brutal Hame Sele development after scary scenes in Bulldogs clash

Dragons prop Hame Sele is set to be ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 NRL season after being diagnosed with pericardial effusion, a serious heart condition. Sele played 21 minutes of the Dragons' 28-10 defeat to Jubilee Oval on Saturday, before flagging his chest pains and shortness of breath with a club trainer.

A short time later Sele was seen being loaded into an ambulance by Dragons staff at halftime. The prop has remained hospitalised since and took to social media on Monday to inform fans he has been diagnosed with a pericardial effusion/pericarditis.

The condition is an inflammation and buildup of fluid in the sac around the heart - which compresses and puts pressure on the heart and can therefore impact its functionality. This can often be triggered as a result of an infection or direct trauma and is treated by a range of medications, namely anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers.

The Dragons confirmed Sele had contracted a flu-like illness three weeks ago and that may have resulted in the heart condition. "Hame Sele remains in hospital being monitored after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath during last night's match against the Bulldogs," a club statement read.

"Sele was admitted following a flu illness in the past three weeks. He did not experience an irregular heartbeat as was suggested. The club will continue to provide Sele with the best possible care and will provide a further update on his recovery in due course."

The 27-year-old who previously played for the Panthers and Rabbitohs was transferred from emergency to a ward at St George Private Hospital on Monday and there is no timeframe for when he will be discharged. According to The Daily Telegraph, a leading Sydney doctor claimed it would be “highly unlikely” that Sele would play again this season.

With just four rounds remaining, the doctor said: “It would be highly unlikely he would play again within a four to six week time frame. We’re dealing with the heart, which can be medically catastrophic and fatal.

“There can be lots of repercussions with cardiac illness. You’re not going to take any risks until you’re absolutely certain everything is okay."

Hame Sele and Moses Suli likely out for remainder of 2024

The Dragons forward took to social media on Monday to thank everyone for their support and to tell fans he is feeling better. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out and messaged me," Sele said in a message to Instagram. "Quick update on what I have. They said it's pericarditis which is basically the sac around the heart is swollen. I am on the mend now and on the right medications and being looked after so just want to say thank you to everyone who reached out."

Sele will definitely miss this weekend's clash with the Titans and will likely remain sidelined for the remainder of the season in another blow to the Dragons' top-eight hopes. Away from Sele, barnstorming centre Moses Suli also may have played his last game of the season.

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The Dragons centre is expected to be out for at least a month with a knee injury. The Daily Telegraph reports Suli will be sidelined at least until the end of the regular season after sustaining a medial ligament injury in his knee.

Kyle Flanagan will also head to the judiciary for an alleged biting incident, putting him in doubt for the clash with the Titans. If unavailable, Jesse Marschke would likely come into the halves if he is cleared of a hamstring injury.