Sam Walker is set to make an appearance for the Roosters on Thursday night, despite having been sidelined in round three due to symptoms of a category one concussion. The 21-year-old was taken out of play during the second half of his team’s victory over the Rabbitohs after an accidental elbow from Jack Wighton. Initially, he was deemed unfit to continue by an independent doctor. However, subsequent evaluations downgraded his condition to a category two concussion, as he passed his head injury assessment and only experienced neck discomfort resulting from Wighton’s blow.
Trent Robinson, the head coach, clarified the situation prior to a crucial match against the reigning premiers Penrith. He highlighted the prompt actions of the team doctors in initiating the reassessment process after Walker’s on-field exit. Robinson acknowledged that the initial categorization as a category one concussion seemed excessive, and he praised the NRL’s decision to revise it. He emphasized that Walker didn’t display any symptoms of concussion on the field and only complained of neck pain.
Despite the hiccup in Walker’s assessment, Robinson expressed confidence in the NRL’s concussion protocols, commending their independence. He acknowledged the rare instances of overcorrection but stressed that Walker wasn’t concussed or even close to being so, having only suffered a sore neck.
Walker’s return alongside Luke Keary in the halfback positions will provide a significant boost for the Roosters, especially with Sandon Smith and Lindsay Collins sidelined due to injuries. Smith will be out for at least a month due to a ligament injury in his elbow, while Collins could potentially return in round five. Robinson acknowledged these setbacks, noting that despite being relatively injury-free, they were dealing with a few frustrating injuries.