He’s been held up as the poster boy of those wanting to ban the kick-off, but St George Illawarra star Moses Suli wants it to remain, declaring “that’s one of the pinnacles of the game.”
Suli was heavily concussed in the opening play of the Anzac Day clash against the Roosters, getting his head in the wrong position trying to tackle Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. The Dragons centre took no further part in that game and was unavailable for selection for Sunday’s local derby against Cronulla due to the mandatory 11-day stand-down period for category-one concussions.
The incident has reignited the debate about the merits of the long kick-off, with some pundits calling for it to be scrapped over concerns that players may be more prone to head injuries during the spectacular collisions.
Despite effectively being knocked out of two games of football, Suli does not believe the kick-off should be banned.
“No, I don’t reckon they should,” Suli told this masthead.
“You’re trying to get yourself in the game, trying to put a shot on. That’s one of the pinnacles of the game, the kick-off, trying to make an impact on the game.
Moses Suli was concussed in the first tackle of the Anzac Day clash.Credit: NRL Photos
“I was just unlucky and he got me a beauty. I hope they don’t get rid of it.”
Suli said there were no hard feelings towards Waerea-Hargreaves.
“I tried to brace myself because I know Jared is a big fella and runs really hard,” he said.
“I went up to him after the game, I told him I was sweet and that he did nothing wrong. My head was just in the wrong spot. It was unlucky.
Moses Suli was nudged out of position just before the tackle on Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.Credit: Nine
“It’s a contact sport, it’s probably the hardest game in the world. It could’ve happened to anyone. What can you do?
“I came out second best. That’s footy, it’s tough. I’ve just got to cop it on the chin. It is what it is.”
The NRL presently has no plans to eradicate the kick-off, although the issue will be one of the many areas that head office scrutinises as part of their end-of-season review.
Suli said he is feeling no ill effects from his concussion.
“I’m all good now,” he said. “Just the first couple of days, I was a bit rattled, but I’m all sweet now.
“Straight afterwards I didn’t remember much. As the days went by, I slowly started to remember a few things. If I could play I would play, but it is what it is.”
Suli has been one of the Dragons’ most consistent players this season, averaging 130 running metres per match. Speaking before Sunday’s match, the Tongan international – who will return for Saturday’s clash with South Sydney – said he feels the Red V are on the rise under coach Shane Flanagan.
“I’m enjoying my footy again and can’t wait to get back out there,” he said.
“I think we’re going pretty well at the start of the season, especially after the previous years I’ve been here.
“There’s still plenty of room for improvement. Flanno has got all the boys and we’re trying to make a statement in this competition. Everyone is writing us off but we’ll stay as the underdogs and hopefully it pays off.”
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