The NRL future of Sydney Roosters star forward Victor Radley is under significant threat following his latest head knock, with a leading neurosurgeon raising the prospect of early medical retirement.
Radley suffered a concussion during the Roosters’ clash with the Newcastle Knights on Saturday night—his second failed Head Injury Assessment (HIA) of the 2025 season and his seventh officially recorded concussion in the past four years.
The Roosters confirmed in an official medical update that Radley has entered standard concussion rehabilitation protocols and is scheduled to consult an independent specialist later this week.
Prominent neurosurgeon Dr. Adrian Cohen, speaking to Channel Nine on Tuesday, warned that continuing to play could have long-term consequences for Radley’s health.
“The question has to be asked for Victor: if not now, when? How many (concussions) are too many?” Cohen said.
“Every impact is doing damage. The more you have, the easier you get them, and the longer it takes to recover.”
Rugby league great Andrew Johns also weighed in on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, urging that such life-altering decisions not be left solely to the players.
“You have to take it out of the player’s hands, especially someone like Victor,” Johns said.
“The Roosters are probably leading the comp in how they handle head knocks—but it’s a real worry.”
Radley, 27, now finds himself at a crossroads eerily similar to former teammates Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner, both of whom were medically retired in 2021 due to repeated concussions.
Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Keary also faced significant time on the sidelines for the same issue.
As concern mounts for Radley’s wellbeing, the rugby league community braces for the possibility that another top-tier player may be forced into early retirement due to the sport’s ongoing concussion crisis.
