We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.
Joseph Suaalii is the first confirmed casualty of the Roosters thrilling finals win over Cronulla, with the rugby-bound star ruled out of Friday’s semi-final trip to Melbourne due to a concussion.
With Roosters star Joey Manu also in major doubt for the sudden death showdown against the Storm after aggravating a hamstring injury, Suaalii’s first-half head knock will see him subject to the NRL’s 11-day stand-down policy.
Suaalii passed an initial on-field assessment when he was hit in the head during a first-half tackle against the Sharks, before showing delayed symptoms and underwent a Head Injury Assessment from the Roosters doctor at halftime.
Suaalii played no further part in the match and despite conjecture otherwise, a Roosters representative confirmed on Sunday morning the winger had been diagnosed with a grade three concussion.
Given Suaalii also suffered a confirmed concussion at training leading into a match against Manly in early July, the incident at Shark Park counted as a second concussion in the space of three months.
Under NRL protocols, that means the Roosters can not apply for an exemption from the 11-day stand-down policy.
Joseph Suaalii was playing strongly for the Roosters but later left the game with a concussion.Credit: Getty
Manu is scheduled to undergo further scans and consultation on Sunday morning, with the Roosters outside back stocks already depleted by a knee injury for veteran winger Daniel Tupou and a shoulder issue for Paul Momirovski.
Corey Allan, Jaxson Paulo and Drew Hutchison loom as potential replacements out wide.
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (suspension), Sitili Tupouniua (neck) and Connor Watson (knee) are also already missing from the Roosters forward pack.
Loading
Melbourne have also worn significant casualties out wide from Friday’s 26-0 loss to the Broncos, with the club confirming a syndesmosis injury for Xavier Coates on top of Ryan Papenhuyzen’s badly broke ankle.
Coates will be monitored throughout the week in the hope he may be fit for Friday’s clash.
MORE TO COME
