Luke Keary will be absent from the Sydney Roosters’ upcoming match against South Sydney due to a head injury sustained during Sunday’s game against Manly. However, James Tedesco believes that Keary’s latest concussion is not as severe as previous ones he has experienced.
Meanwhile, Penrith has announced that James Fisher-Harris’s shoulder injury does not involve any structural damage, but his return to play will be assessed on a week-by-week basis. Keary’s injury occurred when his head collided with the knee of Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic while he was pursuing a kick. Keary underwent medical evaluation on Monday, and in compliance with NRL protocols, he will be sidelined for 11 days, ruling him out of Friday’s clash against Souths.
Keary experienced five concussions between January 2018 and May 2019 and was sidelined for over a month during the 2022 season due to another head injury. However, Tedesco, who has also dealt with concussions, indicated that Keary’s most recent concussion wasn’t as severe.
“He was well enough to return on the bus with the team, so that’s a positive sign,” noted the Roosters captain. “I’m hopeful he’ll recover swiftly. Following the incident, he appeared to be in good spirits, and it wasn’t as serious as some of his previous concussions.”
There’s a possibility that Keary could pass concussion protocols in time for the match against Penrith on March 28, but he must be free of symptoms to participate.
Sandon Smith, an emerging playmaker, appears to be the frontrunner to step into Keary’s role in the halves against Souths, with Joey Manu also being considered as a potential candidate to transition from the centres.
Manu, who delivered a strong performance in the Roosters’ victory over Brisbane in round one, expressed his readiness for a potential positional change.
“There are several options for halves,” Manu commented. “I’ve played there before, but I’m flexible and willing to play wherever the team needs me. My priority is to contribute effectively wherever I’m positioned.”
In the event of Manu moving from the centres, Billy Smith would be the logical choice to take his place, having recuperated from the hamstring injury he sustained prior to round one.
Fisher-Harris’s availability for Thursday’s grand final rematch against Brisbane is uncertain following his departure from the Panthers’ victory over Parramatta in the first half on Friday night.
The influential prop was unable to rejoin the game or observe from the sidelines due to what coach Ivan Cleary described as a loss of power in his shoulder.
Scans conducted on Sunday revealed no significant damage to Fisher-Harris, but he will undergo ongoing assessment by medical professionals.
Lindsay Smith is expected to be in the starting lineup alongside Moses Leota for Thursday night’s match.
