Diamonds star left ‘in agony' as NZ move lasts just three games in ‘big blow' for her team
Diamonds squad member Donnell Wallam has been sent for specialist scans after injuring her wrist in a nasty fall while playing in New Zealand.
The star goal shooter's return to play now remains unclear, with Diamonds medical staff to be consulted on the best option for the 31-year-old.
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Wallam, playing for the Northern Mystics, had been attempting to keep the ball in play off a rebound when she turned to shoot and fell awkwardly, landing on her left arm.
It's the same arm Wallam broke while playing under Dan Ryan in England for the Leeds Rhinos before she would go on to light up Super Netball and earn a fairytale Australian call up.
Wallam's injury late in the third term of her side's thrilling win over the Southern Steel was described as a 'big, big blow' for the Mystics.
'She took a hard fall,' commentator Jeff McTainsh said.
'She's coming off here, not happy. She landed hard trying to keep it in.
'Just tried to break her fall Wallam, stuck out her left wrist.
'A big, big blow for the Northern Mystics.'
Fellow commentator Kruze Tangira said his 'heart dropped' watching Wallam immediately clutch at her injured wrist.
'My stomach was in knots seeing that,' Tangira said.
'She tried to attempt that shot and just fell heavily on her left wrist.
'She was attempting to get the ball back in, we've seen that in previous games where she does a little flick behind the post.
'As soon as it happened, she grabbed that left wrist obviously in agony.'
Wallam stayed on court for almost a minute before she was able to head to the bench and not return for the remainder of the contest.
The Aussie star recruit was clearly in pain as she made her way from the court.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Mystics confirmed Wallam would be sidelined indefinitely.
'Donnell Wallam is currently undergoing treatment for a hand injury that she suffered in the Mystics Round 3 clash with the Southern Steel,' the club said.
'Donnell will be seeing a hand specialist this week and a return to play plan will be confirmed following consultation with Mystics and Australian Diamonds medical teams.
'We wish Donnell a speedy recovery and can't wait to have her back on court.'
Wallam was only in her third game across the ditch after moving on from Super Netball when not offered a deal at the Queensland Firebirds.
The goal shooter was sitting inside the league's top five for goals scored – alongside fellow Aussie recruit Charlie Bell at the Stars – before she suffered the arm injury.
Wallam is the player who replaced Super Netball's superstar recruit Grace Nweke at the three-time ANZ Premiership champions.
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