‘Must retire’: Devastating image rocks Roosters, NRL
The NRL world is all saying the same thing after traumatic scenes on Friday night that had commentators fearing the worst.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
NRL fans have watched on stunned as Victor Radley suffered yet another ugly head knock on Friday night in an incident that raised fears his career could be over.
However, in a stunning twist, the Roosters star recovered from an ugly collision mid-way through the first half of his team’s Round 4 clash with the Titans at Allianz Stadium and was eventually cleared to return to the field after successfully passing his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) test.
It was one of several dramatic moments in the rollercoaster clash as the Titans came from 12-6 down to win 30-12.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Radley was back prowling the sideline hoping to get straight back into the action well before the half time siren, with some fans on X shaking their heads at the sight of the English forward returning to the contest given his history of head knocks.
Radley was knocked out cold three weeks ago and was left face down after a shocking friendly fire collision with James Tedesco in the opening minutes of the Roosters’ clash with the Broncos.
That incident in the Roosters’ season-opener prompted immediate fears he will soon be forced to pull the pin on his career after a sixth failed HIA in the last three seasons.
His head clash with Reagan Campbell-Gillard on Friday night had Fox League commentators Warren Smith and Steve “Blocker” Roach hoping for the best and fearing the worst.
Radley was left lying on the ground before gingerly climbing back up to one knee while trying to hide his face.
A Roosters medical official was brought onto the field to help Radley down the tunnel to have the test conducted in the sheds. It was the fourth time this year he has been forced to undergo a HIA assessment.
Smith said it could be a “huge concern” for Radley given his history.
Roach said: “You’re always worried when they lay on the ground for so long. I’d be surprised if we see him again”.
The Roosters have done everything they can to help Radley make changes to his tackling technique in recent years — but he remains incredibly susceptible to head-high contact when attempting to make tackles.
The devastating sight of him lying on the ground had fans all saying the same thing.
NRL stats guru Aaron Wallace wrote on X: “Please just retire. He is killing himself - and the team suffers every second week as they have to play one short. He doesn’t owe us anything”.
One popular NRL content account wrote on X: “Radley needs to retire”.
Aussie sport commentator Mark Ashton posted: “Somebody needs to tell Victor Radley to retire. How many head knocks can one man have?”
Kiwi NRL commentator Anton Posa wrote: “Radley getting an HIA again was not nice to see. The guy probably has to make a decision soon.”
Last year, Roosters coach Trent Robinson revealed Radley’s tackling technique and overall defensive approach had been tweaked in an attempt to try and prevent future concussions as much as possible.
But the reality is more and more Aussie sports stars have been forced to medically retire as a result of head knocks in recent years.
Originally published as ‘Must retire’: Devastating image rocks Roosters, NRL
‘Proud of Pop’: De Belin’s emotional Anzac Day tribute
Dragons enforcer Jack de Belin is among the toughest forwards in rugby league, but he admits he’ll will never be tougher than his late grandfather Fred.
Injury sours Broncos massive win over the Bulldogs
The Broncos have blown away the premiership heavyweight Bulldogs to put an end to their seven-game win streak. But it may have come at a cost, with Adam Reynolds going down.