Teenager fighting for his life

(The Northern Age)
An 18-year-old man is fighting for his life in Auckland Hospital’s intensive care unit after suffering a catastrophic head injury in a rugby match at Te Hapua on Saturday.
Darryl Sabin, son of Mike and Catherine Sabin (Cooper’s Beach), took the field for Te Hapua against Waipapakauri, Mike saying his son had been “floored by a pretty heavy tackle” in the opening minutes.
The Northland Age understands that the impact, which was not ruled illegal, knocked Darryl out, but he regained consciousness a short time later and walked off the field. His condition deteriorated, however, and the Northland Electricity rescue helicopter flew to Te Hapua to deliver him to Whangarei Hospital. He underwent a brain scan there and was then flown to Auckland, where he underwent surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.
Mike said yesterday that his son had suffered head injuries in the past, and had not played rugby for several years because of that history. He was now working on a sheep and beef property at Paua, and had begun making a name for himself as a dog triallist.
He had been placed on life support in Auckland, and remained in a critical condition.
“It’s a very, very serious injury,” Mike said.
“He’s fighting for his life.”
His family was with him, he added, but there was little they could do but wait, for answers and for signs of improvement.
“We’re just taking this hour by hour,” Mike added.
“It’s taking some time to ascertain just how significant the damage might be, and at this stage we don’t know the answers to all sorts of questions.
“Obviously we don’t want the hospital to be inundated with phone calls but we do ask that people, especially those who know Darryl, keep him in their thoughts. He needs all the support anyone can give him right now.”