Sydney Roosters will take time with concussed captain Jake Friend
The Sydney Roosters will take their time with captain Jake Friend after he suffered another head knock in the club’s big win over Manly.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson pulled Freddy Lussick from North Sydney’s Canterbury Cup game on Sunday in a sure sign that captain Jake Friend will miss at least one game through concussion.
Whether his stint on the sidelines extends beyond that will hinge on talks with Friend, as well as advice from independent doctors under a new policy that sidelines concussion victims for 11 days without an independent clearance.
The new policy was rubber-stamped last week by rugby league power-brokers, the latest sign of how seriously the game’s officials are taking concussion. It could have significant ramifications when the bigger games come around later in the season — players knocked out in State of Origin games will struggle to back up during the series without being independently diagnosed.
Friend will miss at least one game regardless after being forced from the field during the Roosters’ win over Manly on Saturday afternoon following a head clash with Sea Eagles forward Andrew Davey, his day over after he failed a head injury assessment.
It was the third concussion suffered by Friend in the past 12 months — he had two in the latter stages of last season — and once again cast a cloud over his playing future.
Friend has spoken previously about fears that his life may be impacted by the long-term impact of concussion and the club will take their time as they work their way through his latest head knock, having highlighted their concern for their players and their respect for the issue with the way they handled Friend’s co-captain Boyd Cordner.
Cordner will miss at least 12 games after the Roosters elected to rest their backrower following a series of head knocks. Friend’s future is now under the microscope as he confronts another concussion only one game into the new season.
“We know what to do — we have to go and sit with him and see how he is again today and tomorrow — monitor the immediate signs,” Roosters coach Trent Robinson said.
“We remember what happened last year so we have to take his history into account as well. We will talk over the next couple of days about how he is feeling and what he needs to do, and where we are at.
“It’s about what is best for Jake.”
Lussick looms as the likely replacement given the Roosters are facing a test of depth in the hooking position. Sam Verrills (knee) is still a week or two away from being available while Victor Radley is still serving a two-match suspension that was handed down by the NRL after an incident in Byron Bay over the off-season.
The Roosters also lost utility Adam Keighran during their win over Manly after he suffered a fractured wrist. Given their absences in the hooking role, young half Sam Walker could come into contention for a first grade debut off the interchange bench after starring for North Sydney in the Canterbury Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Robinson was at the game as Walker played a hand in several tries. Teenage outside back Joseph Suaalii was also impressive for the Roosters, scoring two tries in their loss. The Roosters are yet to receive a clearance from the NRL for the 17-year-old Suaalii to play in the NRL this season, although that verdict is expected to be rendered in the early part of this week.
It seems a fait accompli that Suaalii will be given the green light to play before his 18th birthday, although there is no real sense of urgency given the way the Roosters outside backs toyed with Manly at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Roosters could also be without back rower Angus Crichton for their round two game against the Wests Tigers after he was charged with a crusher tackle. Crichton will receive a one-match ban with an early guilty plea, and two matches if he fights and loses.
There was some good news for the Roosters — prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves escaped with a fine after lashing out at Sea Eagles forward Curtis Sironen.
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