Luckless South Sydney second-rower Kyle Turner has labelled his NRL return a success, despite failing to finish the match against Penrith due to concussion.
Appearing in his first NRL match since breaking his neck in February’s indigenous All Stars game, Turner was felled in an attempted tackle on Panthers prop Jeremy Latimore early in the second half of Sunday’s thrilling 20-16 win.
Play was stopped for about five minutes before the 23-year-old, who contributed five carries and 11 tackles in a little over 20 minutes, slowly got to his feet and walked off the field.
Turner couldn’t recall the incident post-match, but said he initially feared another neck injury.
“I think everyone’s main concern was the neck, but no,” he said.
“All that aside, I thought it was a successful return.”
It was the seventh time in two years Turner has been concussed, a worrying number that prompted Triple M commentator Gorden Tallis to say on radio: “If that’s my son, I ask him to retire.”
But the promising forward emphatically denied the high number of knockouts was of major concern to his long-term health.
“Souths have done all the precautions. I’ve gone to see doctors in Melbourne, in Sydney,” he said.
“I’ve done all I need to (and) there’s no positive results from that.
“It’s all good. I’m just looking forward to playing some good football now.”
Asked if there was a threshold to the amount of concussions his body could take, he said: “Until I can’t recover from head knocks.
“For now, I feel fine. No repercussions from it.”
The premiership-winning forward admitted to feeling nerves before his long-awaited return, which was welcomed by a standing ovation by the Rabbitohs faithful upon his introduction midway through the first half.
“I was almost throwing up right before run-on,” he said.
“The boys calmed me down and made me confident to think that I should be in this side.
“I thought I went out there and did a fair job.
“It was a long road to get where I am now. But looking back at it now, it was a good life lesson.”
3 Hats
Guest
We are all concerned for players heath! I am not missing the point all that much, as It is a big issue for the game, Kyle Turner is the bleeding hearts scapegoat. I see ALL Souths games and I think it is a tackling technique issue for Kyle. He always seems to get his head in the way...Not to the side. I will ask you this Barry...How many times do you think, George Burgess and Ben Lowe have gone off with concussion? George about 5 and Lowe about 6 times. I concede that with Kyle however that a few times he was not allowed to go back on. The Souths Doctor is very strict with our players. I think MANY Coaches are flaunting the rules a tad just to get free interchanges. I thought last year Maguire may have done it a few times...especially if it is about 10 to go before half time, as this gives a player 10+ the 10 at half time a break with Nil interchange recorded. I have seen the Roosters, Cowboys, Sea Eagles and the Bulldogs do this also...but the Tigers, Panthers, Sharks and the Eels are specials at it. Last week when young Jennings for Penrith came off with a hamstring injury, of all things...Ron Palmer tapped his head for concussion. They had the Red Cross/X interchange card at the ready and about to go on. The Souths Trainer protested to the NRL official...The official overruled the Panthers and went over and handed the Bench player the No.5 card...so NO free interchange after all. So I think the concussion issue is not as a big of a deal as everyone seems to think it is.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think you're missing the point champ. People are concerned with his health not trying to run him out of the game. Doesn't matter too much if it's four or seven in two years it's still a major concern especially considering he's missed most of this season. At best he's had four concussions in his past 20-odd games. If you care about the players that run out for your club every week you'll admit that's a concern.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Every knock will make him weaker. There stories of boxers who have it so bad they can't put a shower on full pressure with out concussion symptoms. Fair dinkum!
3 Hats
Guest
Is it really 7 concussions as mentioned on Triple M? I doubt it! It is actually only 4 Concussions.... Last Year against the Dragons at the SCG the idiot commentators mentioned that he was concussed but in fact it was a finger poked in his eye. Souths Doctor Confirmation. Another game last year...I can't remember the actual team but he came off....and once again they mentioned concussion but it was actually a burner on the top of his shoulder near his neck. Souths Doctor Confirmation. Even at the ALL STARS this year Channel Nine once again used the "Concussion Excuse" again but we actually found out the next day that it was NOT CONCUSSION but the bulging disc, and a NECK injury... Souths Doctor Confirmation. So on 3 separate occasions concussion was mentioned as the cause of his replacement but it was false reporting. "SENSATIONALISM" at its finest! So go back through the archives and count them properly this time.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
there was a design for heagear (probably motobike helmet?) years ago that was supposed to reduce the impact by gradually slowing the head down rather than having it come to a a sudden stop. I think it was too bulky though You are right that nothing would stop the brain moving but maybe the impact can be lessened? or just play the game with terminators....
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Go wash your mouth out T B. Haha.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Gee I hope not Craig. If the top 4 is Souths, Roosters, Cowboys, Broncos I'll be an honorary Queenslander for a month in September. :-)
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah...I don't think headgear is the answer. Not even gridiron helmets prevent concussion.
pjm
Roar Rookie
What kind of head gear is going to stop the brain moving?
pjm
Roar Rookie
Do some reading on concussions steveng.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
your right. either it will come together for the end of year run home or we won't be in the big one
Mike from Tari
Guest
They seem to be taking the wrong options a lot more than last year, forwards dying with the ball when breaks are made, not backing up when breaks are made etc etc.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
all good TB Sounds like someone needs to come up with better headgear? I am enjoying the premiership defence in a frustrated sort of way. We're seeing glimpses of what the Rabbitohs can do but there is not much consistancy - but they are in the top 4. Rabbitohs V Roosters GF?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Hey Craig - how's things mate? How are you enjoying the premiership defence? Headgear's main function is to stop lacerations. Concussions are caused by the head moving quickly and stopping suddenly and the brain being 'bruised' against the inside of the skull. Headgear cushions a tiny little bit of the impact but doesn't really prevent concussion.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
is head gear the answer or are they not good enough to stop concussions in a head clash?
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't know that getting stronger and tougher will help a bloke who's had seven concussions in two years.
PLANKO
Guest
TB I was watching and had to walk away. It is like Richie Faioso playing I can barely watch it.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Turner was very unlucky getting concussion in that tackle, if you look at the tackle he bounced of the Panthers player and while he was going down he got hit in the head by the attacking players elbow. It was an unfortunate accident and there is "no problems" with Turners tackling style. The kid is determined and big enough to get right back into things and every game is going to make him stronger and tougher. Go the Rabbits
Epiquin
Roar Guru
Turner is an absolute champion for getting back on the field and getting straight back in to the action the way that he has. Anyone would have forgiven him for giving the game away, but running back on to the field is the kind of good news story we don't see enough of in the NRL. It's a shame it hand to end with a concussion.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Seven concussions would suggest there is a problem, technique or not his long term health will be jeopardised if he continues to play.From now on he dosent have to be concussed just a heavy tackle can still have repercussions.