Victor Radley says he has not experienced a single delayed post-concussion symptom from several concerning head knocks as he tweaks one of the game’s most effective tackling techniques to stay on the field.
Radley has been at his usual full-throttle in recent weeks after a heavy knock against the Dolphins saw the Roosters rest him before the NRL’s 11-day mandatory stand down period was introduced.
The new policy rules captain James Tedesco out of Thursday’s marquee clash against the Storm.
Roosters players and Trent Robinson have joked since that “Joe” will be playing fullback in Tedesco’s place, with Joey Manu returning from suspension and expected to be given the No.1 nod ahead of wunderkind Joseph Suaalii.
The corresponding Melbourne trip last August saw Radley knocked out in distressing scenes where he was convulsing on the ground after a mistimed tackle.
But while he and Robinson have begun modifying his defensive approach to avoid being sidelined further, the English international is at ease with a history of four concussions in the past two years.
Victor Radley is unconcerned by his recent concussion history.Credit:NRL Photos
“I’ve never had a [concussion] symptom, even after the big one last year when I was actually knocked out,” Radley told the Herald.
“So it doesn’t worry me whatsoever, not at all. I get on with it. I had that one in round one, went through the whole process. I didn’t have a single symptom. If I could, I would play the next day. Everyone’s different and even the doctors are a bit unsure with it all.
“On my behalf, and I don’t want to talk it down or anything, I just haven’t had those symptoms.”
As for tweaks to a defensive technique that has made him one of the game’s most damaging hit men, Radley said: “I’ve looked at my footwork and especially how it looks when I’m tired. I’m conscious of my footwork and my tackle selection when I’m tired or fatigued.
“It’s always when I’m tired. Those low tackles in that situation, I’m staying conscious of that.”
Teammates reported that Tedesco was in good spirits after his heavy knock from Parramatta’s Bailey Simonsson last Thursday, with the tricolours skipper expected to only miss one week.
A training knock for Canterbury star Viliame Kikau also ruled him out of Sunday’s clash with North Queensland and the traditional Good Friday fixture against South Sydney, one of the biggest games on the calendar for both the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs.
The rule’s impact is expected to be keenly felt come Origin time, when 10-day lead-ins to traditional Wednesday night Origin games will raise selection queries around players serving mandatory stand-downs.
Exemptions in “exceptional circumstances” can be granted with clearance from an independent doctor, though the stringent criteria for an exemption are expected to see few granted.
Meanwhile, a review of Origin eligibility rules that would allow the likes of Radley and Jason Taumalolo to play in the interstate series is not expected to be completed before this year’s series.
ARL Commissioner Wayne Pearce has been consulting stakeholders on potential changes which would allow players from tier one countries England and New Zealand who have lived in NSW or Queensland from the age of 13, to play Origin.
Any rule changes, if approved, are now not expected to be enacted until after the 2023 series.
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
