Beau Ryan advised to take a break from football despite X-rays clearing him of further neck damage

EXCLUSIVE: SHARKS have told Beau Ryan to take a break before making a decision on his future after he was cleared by X-rays of further neck damage.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 17: Beau Ryan of the Sharks injures his arm during the round 10 NRL match between the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and the Wests Tigers at Remondis Stadium on May 17, 2014 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The Sharks have told winger Beau Ryan to take a break from football before making a decision on his playing future after he was cleared by X-rays today of further neck damage.

An MRI scan revealed there was no further damage his C-6 and C-7 vertebrae that required off-season surgery.

The Sharks’ club doctor, sports medicine specialist George Pitsis, said Ryan would be given time off for more rehab work.

“Things are okay and thankfully the MRI didn’t show anything had changed since his last one,” Dr Pitsis said.

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Beau Ryan suffered a recurrence of a neck injury that required off-season surgery against Wests Tigers

“It’s taking a bit longer to settle down. We’ll give him some rest then have another look at it.”

Ryan walked out of Remondis Stadium on Saturday night knowing he had possibly played his last game against his old club the Wests Tigers.

The 29-year-old winger has struggled and looked timid in his handful of appearances for the club this season.

Obviously the injury has been playing on his mind.

Dr Pitsis said Ryan had been experiencing pain whenever he made a tackle.

“The nerves are still a bit irritable and he gets a burner down his arm,” Pitsis said.

“It’s a shame because he’s been really diligent with all his rehab since the surgery.

“There is nothing there that would indicate there is a risk of a catastrophic incident if he continued playing.

“That’s something for Beau to decide.”

Ryan is obviously struggling emotionally as he faces a decision on his future.

He sent this text message today: “Sorry I missed your calls mate, I’m just a bit down at the moment.”

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The Sharks will have talks with Ryan over the next fortnight.

No-one wants to see the popular Footy Show star finish his career in NSW Cup.

No-one wants him to hang around and keep a younger more promising player out of the team.

I have a feeling Ryan was close to announcing his retirement earlier this year.

He only kept going because of the possibility of more ASADA drama and the fact he could help out, at least in a marketing capacity.

With a huge television career in front of him, Beau knows the risk of serious injury is not worth it.

He will be remembered as a fine winger. Not a champion, but an honest, flashy player who could always hold his own against more fancied opponents.

Originally published as Beau Ryan advised to take a break from football despite X-rays clearing him of further neck damage