The Roosters know more than most about the dangers of concussions. They have lost two club legends, Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend, to retirement after repeated head knocks in recent years, and had no qualms about letting them go.
Star half Luke Keary missed a huge swath of 2022 with concussion recovery problems, and when plenty would have rushed him back, Trent Robinson gave him time.
Now they are faced with the same dilemma for James Tedesco, who suffered his second concussion of the year and, amazingly, the ninth of his NRL career, in a heavy collision with Parramatta winger Maika Sivo on Friday night.
Tedesco was wobbly when he stood up and was taken off with a Category 2 head knock – which could have enabled him to come back on – before the Bunker upgraded it to a Category 1.
That comes with a mandatory standdown period, though clubs can ask to waive that if they feel there is sufficient evidence for it.
The Roosters have to win both of their remaining fixtures to make the Finals, with the Wests Tigers visiting Allianz Stadium next Saturday evening, but Robinson already confirmed that Tedesco will not play and that no exemption will be sought.
“He was concussed,” the coach told the post-match press conference.
“He was really good (after the match). About 20 minutes after the game he was better and remembers all the tries and everything about the day, which is really positive.
“But is it enough to play next week? I wouldn’t think so. It’s pretty critical for us, but you need to treat the guy as far as (putting) his health first.”
Robinson confirmed that Joey Manu, as usual, will deputise at fullback, though the Kiwi international only had thoughts for his stricken teammate.
“It’s tough,” he said of the incident. “Obviously you can’t control these things but seeing Teddy like that is not a good sight. Losing him in the game, too – I felt he was one of our best on the field.
“We’re wishing him well and hope he recovers quickly. He was good (in the sheds), happy and just went about his thing. I love playing next to him and hopefully he can get right and I can get back out with him soon.”
Sivo was put on report for the incident, but neither Robinson nor Brad Arthur thought that he should be charged given the accidental nature of the shot. Tedesco was falling as Sivo attempted a tackle and caught the Roosters fullback while low to the floor.
“I hope James is OK, but what more can he do?” said the Parra coach. “His hands are down beside him, James’ head falls into his arm.”
Sivo was only just making his return from a four game ban, time that Arthur said he had been using to practice tackle technique.
“He’s worked really hard on trying to get that part of it right,” he said. “You can see he’s a bit gun-shy with it because he’s worried about it. I don’t think he did anything wrong.
“I’m not taking away that there was contact with James’ head, but what is he supposed to do there? He tripped over into him.”
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