Rugby league legend Darren Lockyer has called on the Sydney Roosters to take decisive action on the future of Victor Radley, urging the club to force the lock forward to take an extended break from the game after another concussion setback.
Radley failed his seventh Head Injury Assessment (HIA) in four years during the Roosters’ recent NRL clash, raising serious concerns about his long-term health and future in the sport.
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The 26-year-old has earned a reputation for his fearless and aggressive playing style, but repeated head knocks have become an alarming trend that can no longer be ignored.
Speaking on the issue, Lockyer stressed that the Roosters need to prioritise Radley’s wellbeing above competitive ambitions.
“At some point, the club has to step in and look at the bigger picture,” Lockyer said. “Seven failed HIAs in four years is too many. It’s time to seriously consider giving him a rest—not just for a week, but for the sake of his long-term health.”
Radley’s latest head knock adds to growing calls within the rugby league community for stricter concussion protocols and more proactive player management.
The NRL has already tightened its approach to concussion-related incidents in recent seasons, but Lockyer’s comments have added further weight to the push for clubs to adopt a more conservative stance when dealing with repeated head injuries.
It remains to be seen whether the Roosters will act on Lockyer’s advice, but with the growing scrutiny around player safety, pressure is mounting for them to intervene decisively.
