Paterson injury not serious

PATERSON INJURY NOT SERIOUS

SCANS and X-rays have cleared North Queensland Toyota Cowboys back-rower Cory Paterson of a serious neck injury after he was taken to hospital following last night's NRL qualifying final against Manly.

It was originally feared Paterson, who was replaced early in the second half of loss to Manly, had suffered a cracked vertebra but the injury has been downgraded to a ligament problem.

The former Newcastle Knight spent last night in St Vincents Hospital and it's hoped he will be able to return to Townsville some time today.

It is likely he will be in a neck brace for a couple of weeks.