NRL Early Mail round 2: Roosters centre Billy Smith closes in on return from hip injury
Injury-prone centre Billy Smith continues to impress teammates on the training paddock. But how will his return change the Roosters’ backline?
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Sydney Roosters centre Billy Smith has continued to impress his teammates on the training paddock as he edges closer to a return from a hip injury.
The embattled club also received a boost on Sunday when Victor Radley returned to light duties after suffering a scary head knock against Brisbane.
The 26-year-old Radley was smiling and joking with teammates, including Smith, as they completed a no contact training session at Moore Park as the Roosters prepare to face NRL premiers Penrith on Friday night.
He will miss the Panthers game under the NRL’s concussion protocols, but vision of Radley warming up will alleviate some concern for the future of the star forward, who has suffered six concussions within the past three seasons.
“Seeing him (on Sunday), he’s following the protocols at the moment and our club really respects those protocols and they’ve really led the way to be honest in regards to giving guys the required time off,” said halfback Chad Townsend.
“He’s been bouncing around, he’s smiling on his way out, so the game is a very forceful game, sometimes accidents do happen and unfortunately that’s what happened on the weekend. But Victor seems OK, he’s smiling, he’s happy, and he’ll do the right and so will the club.”
If Radley passes through the NRL’s concussion guidelines he will be available to play the Warriors in Round 3, with Spencer Leniu also set to return from suspension the same week in a double boost for the club.
Siua Wong replaced him on the edge during Thursday night’s 50-14 loss to Brisbane and is the most likely option to face Panthers.
Meanwhile, Smith is inching closer to his season debut.
The talented centre has been hampered by a hip injury but is training unencumbered as he nears a return to the field.
“He’s in all the reps now in training so he’s going to be ready to go soon, he’s in high spirits. I reckon he’ll be good to go soon,” said Dom Young.
Originally published as NRL Early Mail round 2: Roosters centre Billy Smith closes in on return from hip injury
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