Victor Radley, a key player for the Sydney Roosters, is facing another short-term injury setback after sustaining a cheekbone injury during round four. The 27-year-old lock forward had to leave the field for a head injury assessment following a significant collision in the first half of the Roosters’ loss to the Gold Coast Titans. Although he was initially cleared of concussion and permitted to return to play, further scans revealed the cheekbone injury, resulting in him being ruled out for at least one week.
The club confirmed the injury, stating, “Victor Radley has been cleared of concussion, but precautionary scans have confirmed a minor cheekbone injury. He will be unavailable for selection.” This latest injury marks yet another challenge for Radley, who had previously been knocked out in round two during a match against the Brisbane Broncos. He made a return in round three against the Warriors, but again faced another head knock, from which he was also cleared by medical professionals.
Radley’s absence, albeit brief, comes at a challenging time for the Roosters as they gear up for a crucial showdown against their traditional rivals, the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The Roosters will hope to mitigate the impact of Radley’s injury with the anticipated return of Connor Watson, who has been sidelined due to concussion. However, the team’s depth is further tested by the ongoing injuries to players like Brandon Smith and Sam Walker, who are still out for an extended period.
As the Roosters navigate this period without one of their key players, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. The team will undoubtedly count on its remaining resources to fill the gap and maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming matches.