NRL 2022: David Nofoaluma opens up on his ‘scary’ concussion battle and demotion at Wests Tigers

David Nofoaluma says he has “moved on” from his demotion to reserve grade at Wests Tigers and is determined to earn his spot back in the NRL.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Dumped Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma has broken his silence on his demotion into reserve grade, declaring “you live and learn”.

Nofoaluma was empathetic about his desire to return to the top grade by saying “I’m not a reserve grade player” as he took to the field for the Magpies at Redfern Oval on Saturday.

The Tigers flyer has not been seen in the NRL since May 1 as he dealt with concussion problems. He was eligible for first grade last week but was overlooked after the senior players wanted him stood-down because he was drinking while recovering from the head knocks.

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“It was in-house,” Nofoaluma said after getting through 80 minutes on Saturday.

“It was one of those things that happened. I took it with both hands. It was disappointing. I’m back now and I want to enjoy my footy.

David Nofoaluma was back in action for Wests Magpies in NSW Cup on Saturday. Picture: Damian Shaw

“You live and you learn. I wouldn’t say (I have to earn back the players) trust.”

Repetitive head knocks prior to his off-field indiscretion kept the Samoan sidelined. He had suffered head knocks in three consecutive matches before taking time out.

“After the third week, the club doctor said it was time to take some time away from footy and have a rest from contact sport,” Nofoaluma said.

“I was getting headaches and was very lethargic. Copping them in repetitive weeks, the medical staff were doing their job and looking after me.

“I took that on and took some time away from footy. It was scary.”

Nofoaluma struggled defensively early in the Magpies’ 36-32 loss to South Sydney. He played the entire second half at fullback and laid on a try in the dying stages, in his second successive week in reserve grade.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire, left, was in the stand at Redfern Oval to watch Wests Magpies in NSW Cup. Picture: Damian Shaw

It remains to be seen if he did enough to earn a recall into the top grade ahead of the Tigers clash against Manly next Sunday.

“I will reassess where I’m at,” Nofoaluma said. “I will see how things are going. I have to be mentally prepared to come back to first grade. I’m enjoying playing (NSW Cup). They’ve been fantastic.

“I’m always ready to play first grade. If you ask me, I’m not a reserve grade player but due to circumstances, what’s happened has happened. I’ve moved on from it. I am just happy to be back playing footy.”

South Sydney veteran Josh Mansour scored twice for the Rabbitohs.

Maguire pinning hopes on Doueihi recovery

Tim Sheens’ review which will decide the fate of Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire remains ongoing but more pressing for the club could be the contentious return of star Adam Doueihi.

Sheens is continuing with the mid-season stocktake into the Tigers fortunes, which will eventually decide if Maguire stays on as coach.

It is expected the Tigers head of football will sit down with Maguire this week to get a gauge on exactly how the season has progressed and if there is any hope the coach can turn the side’s fortunes around.

Sheens commenced his review last week and has already met with some staff.

Those inside the Tigers camp insist nothing was to eventuate this weekend after Maguire and the playing squad returned from a few days break last Friday.

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire is under pressure to retain his job after a slow start to the season. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

It is understood Sheens’ recommendation will be taken on face value – either Maguire has his support or he does not and the board will act accordingly.

The next scheduled board meeting is towards the end of this month but it is expected the board will convene before then and make a decision on the coach.

There is little doubt there is a push from some at the club for Cameron Ciraldo to be offered the job long-term, despite Maguire having another season left on his deal.

Ciraldo was spoken about at the end of last season but wanted to focus on Penrith’s premiership quest. There is a suggestion that Ciraldo is considering the job more vigorously this time around but does not want to put his hand up for the position until it is vacant.

If the Tigers part ways with Maguire and Ciraldo opts against taking the position, plan B would be going to market and exploring the potential candidates including Kristian Woolf, John Morris, Shane Flanagan and Brett Hodgson. An interim such as Brett Kimmorely could be put in place for the rest of the season.

Adam Doueihi hasn’t played since injuring his knee in round 23 last year. Picture: NRL Photos

The planned return of Doueihi has also caused some angst in the Tigers ranks.

Doueihi has been medically cleared to play his first game of the year against Manly next Sunday.

The plan is for Doueihi to potentially start from the interchange bench, with Maguire and Doueihi keen for the pivot to return to the field as soon as possible.

However, News Corp has learnt there is some resistance from within the club in Doueihi returning as early as round 14. There is a thought that some want him to rehabilitate for the rest of the season to preserve his long-term future.

The 23-year-old is on the comeback trail from a second knee reconstruction on his left knee and has not played since round 23 last year.

Tim Sheens is conducting a mid-season review at the Wests Tigers. Picture: Richard Dobson

Doueihi wants to play five-eighth so it remains to be seen how Maguire will work him into the squad with Jackson Hastings arguably the team’s best player this season at halfback and million-dollar man Luke Brooks shining at five-eighth.

The Tigers have won only three games this season and sit just ahead of Gold Coast and Canterbury on the ladder.

After Manly they have winnable matches against the Bulldogs and Warriors but Maguire’s future is expected to be decided by then.