Price to miss Roosters clash after Origin knockout

After being felled by a knockout punch against New South Wales, Queensland and New Zealand Warriors prop Steve Price will miss Sunday’s clash with Sydney.

The 35-year-old was stretched off the field after apparently being knocked out cold during a confrontation with Melbourne enforcer Brett White.

Whilst appearing to fall to the ground, Price was clattered from behind by White’s teammate Trent Waterhouse, who later received a red card for his actions.

Price suffered concussion in the incident and was stretchered from the field.

A statement from the New Zealand Warriors said they will treat Price’s injury with the utmost caution.

“He’ll be reviewed by medical staff when he returns to Auckland and will hopefully return for Sunday week’s clash against St George Illawarra at Mount Smart Stadium.”

“A decision won’t be made until game day on who will replace Price in the starting line-up against the Roosters. Sam Rapira was named as the other starting prop on Tuesday while Russell Packer and Jesse Royal were both listed on the bench. Packer started last Sunday’s match against the Bulldogs.”

“Utility Aaron Heremaia has been called into the squad to travel to Sydney on Saturday.”

Price says he can not remember the moment when he came crashing to the turf at Suncorp Stadium after being hit with a sweet right hand from White.

“I’m alright, I’ve just got a fat lip” Price told AAP.

“I was asleep for a while and when I started to come back I saw (the fight) on telly.”

“The docs kept an eye on me overnight and my wife has been looking after me. too.”

Waterhouse has escaped suspension to a contrary conduct charge after pleading not guilty while Maroons halfback Johnathan Thurston accepted a penalty of 75 demerit points for his reckless attempt with the boot to prevent Blues winger David Williams from scoring.