Friend was concussed during Saturdays Round 1 game against Manly at the SCG.
It was hard to watch as the premiership-winning hooker lay convulsing on the turf, and had to be helped off the field.
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Round 2
The playing future of Friend is now being discussed given hes had multiple concussions in the last six months.
His co-captain Cordner is currently sitting on the sidelines until at least Round 12 due to several concussions, the latest suffered while representing NSW in the State of Origin series in November.
The Roosters have also dealt with repeated concussions to star playmaker Luke Keary.
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Is the NRL doing enough on concussion?
2:52
The Roosters, doctors, and the NRL are now all contemplating how to move forward with Friend in particular.
Ikin says all eyes in rugby league, and sport in general, should be watching the outcome.
It could be a seminal moment for the game, Ikin told NRL 360 on Monday.
Theres two big cases going through the Roosters at the moment that could set the tone for how we handle this for the next few decades.
Concussion is arguably the biggest issue facing sport globally, not just rugby league or the NRL.
Theres constant research being conducted to help doctors better understand the injury.
And thats why NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent says no one yet knows the perfect way to handle sportspeople who have been concussed.
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My concern, and full credit to the Roosters what theyre doing here, my concern is what were doing now with brain injury is a significant advancement on what weve always done, (but) is that enough? Kent said.
Suaalii granted NRL exemption
2:02
Will we look back in 10 years or 20 years and say can you believe this is what they were doing in 2021.
Im wondering if todays overreaction is tomorrows underreaction? We just sit there and go wow we need to do more.
I think we need to do what the Roosters are doing with Cordner and err on the side of caution. In boxing if you get knocked out you cant fight for three months, these guys (NRL players) do a cognitive test and they can theoretically play the next week.
Friend concussion a ‘major concern’
1:20
