Both Trent Robinson and Shane Flanagan have chimed in on the discussion surrounding concussions and kick-offs following Mosese Suli’s alarming knockout during the Anzac Day match between St George Illawarra and the Sydney Roosters. Suli’s collision with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at the start of the game highlighted a recurring issue this season, as players aggressively initiate restarts, often resulting in dangerous head-on collisions.
Robinson, the coach of the Sydney Roosters, expressed the dilemma of maintaining the intensity of kick-offs while prioritizing player safety. He acknowledged the need for a potential shift in the approach to kick-offs, suggesting that current measures, such as short kick-offs, may not be sufficient. Robinson emphasized the importance of field position in the game but hinted at an impending change to address the growing concerns.
Meanwhile, Flanagan, the Dragons coach, echoed Robinson’s sentiments, acknowledging the negative impact of such incidents on the game and his team. He questioned how the league could effectively mitigate the risk without altering the essence of rugby league. Flanagan highlighted the desire for physicality in the sport, particularly during kick-offs, but expressed frustration at the frequency of dangerous collisions. While acknowledging the changes made with short dropouts, Flanagan emphasized the need to prioritize player welfare in the modern game, even if it means considering unconventional solutions.
Flanagan directs criticism toward the Sharks.
Flanagan stirred anticipation ahead of facing his former team, expressing keen interest in defeating the Sharks. Not stopping there, he criticized the Sharks for their inability to secure another NRL premiership since his tenure as head coach, which saw them clinch their first and only title in 2016. Following St George Illawarra’s heavy defeat to the Sydney Roosters, attention swiftly shifted to Flanagan’s upcoming return to Shark Park.
The 58-year-old coach, who was deregistered and parted ways with Cronulla in 2019 due to breaching NRL regulations, emphasized that the Sharks game had been circled on his calendar for some time. Despite his successful tenure at Cronulla, subsequent coaches, including John Morris and Craig Fitzgibbon, have failed to advance the team beyond the second week of finals. Rather than downplaying the significance of his return, Flanagan embraced the occasion, though he emphasized his focus on the team’s performance over personal matters.
Flanagan affirmed that his focus lies on the Dragons’ preparation and not on personal sentiments, emphasizing the need for the team to bounce back from their recent defeat. He maintained that he has moved forward from his past with Cronulla and stressed the importance of the Dragons regrouping after their loss to the Roosters.
The Dolphins’ standout group of players remains several weeks from returning to action.
The Dolphins have received varied updates regarding the injuries of four key players, with prop Thomas Flegler and center Herbie Farnworth’s return-to-play schedules being evaluated day by day.
According to Dolphins head of performance Jeremy Hickmans, second-rower Felise Kaufusi is progressing well and is expected to return around round 10 or 11. Fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, recovering from a grade two hamstring injury, is anticipated to make a comeback before the State of Origin opener on June 5.
Flegler, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since round five, is dealing with nerve damage, akin to a severe burner, which necessitates a gradual rehabilitation process. Similarly, Farnworth, an England international, is managing a grade-three AC joint sprain and is undergoing a phased recovery to avoid potential long-term issues.
Hickmans noted that Kaufusi’s recovery is progressing positively, and while he could potentially return sooner, a timeline around round 10 or 11 seems plausible. Tabuai-Fidow, renowned for his speed and explosiveness, faces a more extended recovery period due to the nature of his injury.
Overall, Hickmans affirmed that all four players are progressing according to plan, with Flegler and Farnworth’s timelines remaining flexible, while Kaufusi and Tabuai-Fidow are steadily advancing towards their respective returns.