He has struggled with concussion symptoms.
Manly Sea Eagles hooker Lachlan Croker is nearing a return after battling severe concussion side effects.
The dummy half originally sustained the concussion during a Round 9 clash against the Canberra Raiders and was initially expected to miss only one game. He was slated to return in Round 10 against the Dolphins and then play in Magic Round against the Brisbane Broncos.
However, Croker’s recovery did not go as planned, and he has been sidelined ever since, with lingering concussion symptoms preventing his return.
According to AAP’s Scott Bailey, Croker has been intensifying his training and is set to begin contact work next week. While he is not guaranteed to return next week against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, his coach, Anthony Seibold, has confirmed that Croker is getting closer. “There’s been a lot more non-contact skills. Next week, my understanding is he’ll do a bit more contact,” Seibold said, according to AAP.
“We miss Crokes. He’s the heart and soul of our group. It’s been concerning for him. But the welfare of the player comes first. We want to make sure that he’s received the right treatment. It’s a go-slow approach.”
In Croker’s absence, Manly has relied on a rotation of Karl Lawton and Gordon Chan Kum Tong in the number nine position. Recently, Jake Simpkin, who was signed last week from the Wests Tigers, started in Sunday’s game against the Dragons.
With Simpkin’s deal extending into next year, it is likely that Simpkin and Croker will share number nine duties for the Northern Beaches-based side over the coming season and a half.
Manly has a bye following the game against South Sydney, meaning Croker may potentially return in Round 18 against the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville.