The Chiefs are taking a ‘wait and see’ approach with Charlie Ngatai as the All Blacks centre continues to suffer concussion symptoms.
Ngatai hasn’t travelled with the Chiefs to play in their historic Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Fiji on Friday.
The 25-year-old was forced to miss the All Blacks Test series against Wales and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie isn’t prepared to put a time frame on his return.
“He’s turned a corner but it’s been six or seven weeks since he played, so from that point of view he probably needs a couple of weeks of conditioning and getting back into things before being even considered,” Rennie said on Tuesday.
The Chiefs injury woes also continue with lock Michael Allardice the latest to be ruled out for the season, meaning they are currently missing 16 players.
But Rennie isn’t dwelling on the problem after his squad stepped up in their impressive 40-7 victory over Wales.
“When you get a lot of injuries you bring other guys in who get exposed and improve.
“That’s why we are in a pretty good state and there are guys who played well in that Welsh game who are going to get another crack.”
Meanwhile, Hika Elliot has defied the odds and is set to pull on the Chiefs jersey in Fiji.
The former All Blacks hooker’s career almost came to an abrupt end in late 2013 when he seriously injured his neck playing for the Maori All Blacks against Canada.
He missed the following year’s Super Rugby season following an operation and was considering retirement before an ankle injury to Nathan Harris opened the door for a return.
“To come back from that sort of injury and be closing in on my 100th game for a franchise I have a real passion for is pretty humbling and a blessing,” Elliot said.
Chivas
Guest
Cheers Digger. My old man told me he was from the Naki. It is with pleasure I will tell him he is in fact an east coast boy. Didn't know Broadhurst was out too. Hope he comes right. Hate to see careers impacted like this. I like Broadhurst. He's a top player with a lot of heart.
Digby
Roar Guru
Poverty Bay originally, just saying ;) In all seriousness I do hope he gets well and one day gets his chance in black. How serious the head knocks are though, Broadhurst down here is still suffering and hasn't been sighted this year, after a knock in ITM last season. I wish them both well in their recoveries.
Chivas
Guest
I'm not thinking about it OB. I'm just looking forward to seeing him run out again. Ever since first seeing him I have admired him. I was so looking forward to seeing him run on for the AB's. He so deserves it. So instead I reconcile myself with the fact the opposition were a bit too soft anyway. A tremendous bloke who I have really enjoyed watching this year I remember Rhys Ellison being told he shouldn't play again or he was in real danger of something serious happening. But he put on a hat and kept on. A big risk and one as a player who made some rep teams I completely understand. I am thankful that he was able to retire in good health and mostly that is what I wish for Charlie. These guys give us so much pleasure but at the end of the day their health and welfare is more important. But dammit Charlie, get it together and grab that freakin black jersey and make it yours. I know you are from the Naki, but as a Mooloo and Chiefs supporter you are also one of us.
CUW
Guest
concussion is taken seriously in every thing nowadays. UFC has a mandatory 3-6 month stand down period. that is why for eg. the famos lady fighter Rhonda Rousey has not fought ever since her loss to Holy Holm since last year . dont know how long boxing imposes. even WWE is taking it seriously : DANIEL BRyYan of the famos "YES MOVEMENT" was forced to retire becoz of concussion. not only concussion WWE and most martial art sports are very serious about drug use as well. WWE has banned Roman Reigns for violating their dangeros drugs policy. the thing in america - they are more concerned of the LAW SUITES than the actual harm to people and the wellbeing of participants :D
Old Bugger
Guest
Still a long season ahead Charlie so, get well first mate and then, have another crack at an AB jersey. No worries if you don't this year- there's always next year and the next and the next......oh yeah, that'll be 2019.....hmmmm.
wardad
Guest
Concussion is finally starting to be treated seriously ,maybe not so much in the NFL in the US though .Amazed to see Hika back but good on him !
CUW
Guest
seems he is one of those who just dont get well from a concussion. even medicine does not know how it affects people - some guys come back on after a concussion within minutes while some take months to recover. really bad for Ngatai - just as he was getting over the injuries to the body , he gets this ..... Kahui mark II unfortunately. but then , Kahui did go to a world cup so , there is still hope. :)