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Victor Radley’s father appeals for Roosters to rest his son after shocking knockout

The father of Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley admits being worried when he saw his son convulsing after being knocked out on Friday night. But he had a different view of the game.

Nigel Radley has appealed for his son Victor to not play in round 25.
Nigel Radley has appealed for his son Victor to not play in round 25.

The father of Sydney Roosters forward Victor Radley has appealed to his son to take a break from football next weekend after his sickening knockout that shocked hundreds of thousands of TV viewers on Friday night.

Radley lay on the ground unconscious and convulsing for several minutes after a frightening collision with rival player, Melbourne Storm’s Jesse Bromwich.

Nigel Radley was watching from home as his son was taken from the field on a medi-cab.

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Nigel Radley has appealed for his son Victor to not play in round 25.
Nigel Radley has appealed for his son Victor to not play in round 25.

“I don’t think he should play next week,” Nigel said.

“There’s nothing to gain. They’ve made the finals and he should rest for the following week. You’d think with the head clash protocols he’d have to miss a week anyway.

“A rest will do him good. It was a pretty severe one.”

Mr Radley says Victor recovered quickly.

“I spoke to him this morning and he said he came around when he was on the medi-cab,” he said.

“This morning he said he was okay. No headaches, nothing.

“He said he didn’t feel any different to how he usually feels on the day after playing footy.”

It was a phone call within minutes of the incident that immediately eased fears around his son.

“I was worried when it happened, there’s no denying that, but I got a call straight away from the dressing room.

Victor Radley of the Roosters was taken off the field by stretcher after his tackle went wrong. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Victor Radley of the Roosters was taken off the field by stretcher after his tackle went wrong. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“Cathy King (Roosters official) rang to say he was sitting up and okay. It was a relief.

“She’s a wonderful lady who takes such great care of the players and their families.”

Mr Radley said he had no concerns around Victor’s ruthless style of play.

“I don’t worry about it too much to be honest,” he said, “Head knocks are part of the game.

“If you play rugby league you’ve got to accept it’s always a risk.

“It didn’t look good but he’s not going to stop playing the way he plays.

“That’s Victor. That’s his style.”

The Storm v Roosters match was the most brutal of the season, up there with the intensity and toughness of any State of Origin game.

Four players were charged by the NRL match review committee.

Aside from his son’s concussion, Mr Radley loved it.

“Games like that one will bring the crowds back,” he said, “that’s what you want to see.”

Originally published as Victor Radley’s father appeals for Roosters to rest his son after shocking knockout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/nrl/victor-radleys-father-appeals-for-roosters-to-rest-his-son-after-shocking-knockout/news-story/ccdd17882671c16718c67b9374214d58