Waratahs halfback Bernard Foley describes his concussion episode as ‘scary’

WARATAHS star Bernard Foley described concussion as “scary” after symptoms from an innocuous head knock lingered for more than a month and made him fear for his career.

WARATAHS star Bernard Foley described concussion as “scary” after symptoms from an innocuous head knock lingered for more than a month and made him fear for his career.

Foley opened up on his concussion scare after receiving the all-clear to return for the Waratahs against the Rebels on Friday night in Melbourne, after missing the first four rounds.

The return of the Waratahs no.10 was one of a major overhaul of the NSW team by coach Daryl Gibson, with Israel Folau moving from centre to fullback, Jake Gordon replacing Wallaby Nick Phipps at halfback and a new midfield of Dave Horwitz and Rob Horne.

Though a more regular lock, Ned Hanigan has replaced the injured Jack Dempsey at no.6.

Folau’s move back to fullback probably ending the experiment of him at no.13 - grabs attention but the return of Foley is easily the most influential selection.

Since 2014, the Waratahs have only won 28 per cent of games without the Wallabies no.10. With Foley calling the shots, they’ve won 68 per cent.

Bernard Foley’s concussion symptoms lingered for more than a month.

The relief of having the star quarterback back on deck is palpable for NSW players, fans and not least Foley after a lingering concussion raised fears for them all about when - or if - he would return.

“It is quite a scary injury because blokes can get knocks and not come back from it,” Foley said.

“They can be innocuous or they can be the prone knockout, no-one really knows about this injury. There is no deadline or guidelines to when you are going to be back.

“I stayed away from Googling it or even watching the movie Concussion.

“I think you have concerns with all that (not playing again) but you just have to trust the process that you are doing everything in your powers to be right and put yourself in that best position.”

Foley suffered a head knock in a trial against the Highlanders at Brookvale Oval and failed a HIA, but figured he’d be right the next week.

Symptoms persisted however, initially through light sensitivity and blurred vision, then dull headaches following exercise and training sessions.

Foley said his ability to focus was also affected and when trying to read or even look at his phone, he grew “agitated and annoyed”.

“Just little things that you think “that doesn’t normally annoy me, why is it today?”,” he said.

“So you’d wake up every day thinking am I going to be right today?.”

Foley said he erred on the side of caution when making a comeback and in the midst of the ongoing debate about concussion, players need to take control, put their welfare first and be honest with medical staff.

Gibson said his mass changes were a result of trying to ascertain the best “combinations”.

“Given the situation we are in I felt that was necessary,” he said.

“We are still searching for an effective backline combination. At the moment that backline combination is not clicking so we decided to make changes and search for a better outcome.”

Jake Gordon replaces Nick Phipps at halfback.

Gibson, who moved Folau to centre midway through last year, said he didn’t believe that experiment “was a failure”.

“In his last two games, he is really getting it. But the big picture is that combination as it stood wasn’t working,” he said.

“The opportunity he has had to play up front has made him a better player I believe. He has more tools in his kit bag now, in terms of seeing the game.”

Gibson said the decision to change halfback was due to Phipps’ form dip and rewarding Gordon with an opportunity.

“Obviously none of our three halfbacks have really set the world on fire in terms of nailing down that spot,” he said.

“I look at hooker and Tolu Latu has really put his hand up there. Really it is an opportunity for Jake, and Nick by his own admission is playing below his high standards.”

Ned Hanigan’s “abrasive character” won him the nod to replace Dempsey, despite not having played no.6 at a professional level.

“He is a pretty versatile player. I just like what he brings to the team,” Gibson said.

“He throws himself about and is an excellent ball carrier. And he has a good line out ability.”

Gibson also made changes on the bench, with Damien Fitzpatrick returning at reserve hooker, and Taqele Naiyaravoro and Cam Clark also added.

Sekope Kepu is expected to pass a final concussion test on Thursday.

Originally published as Waratahs halfback Bernard Foley describes his concussion episode as ‘scary’