Sydney Roosters captain Boyd Cordner has been forced off the field after suffering another head knock during their clash with the Knights.
Playing just days after the tragic passing of his cousin Joel Dark, Cordner got the Roosters off to the perfect start as he set up centre Josh Morris for the opening try of the game.
With the Roosters cruising to a 24-0 lead, the 28-year-old looked set to score after winning the race to a Jake Friend grubber.
However, Cordner would fail to ground the ball, smashing his head into the ground in the process.
The second-rower was left shaken up by the incident, struggling to get back to his feet before he was taken off for an HIA assessment.
Cordner reportedly passed the initial HIA, however, the Roosters made the decision to play it safe with their skipper, who has suffered four head knocks in 10 weeks.
Coach Trent Robinson confirmed that the decision was made in light of the difficult week that he had undergone.
“He was quite good, I think you could on field that his eyes were really good, his responses were quite good,” Robinson said post-match.
“The assessment was really good, he answered questions really well, he was quite clear but the time off he had plus the week he has had, that was a really smart call to say ‘just take a breath and don’t go back on.’
“That was really good work from the doctor and Boyd to obviously understand that, it’s an incredibly tough week for Joel and the extended family.
Cordner reportedly almost returned tonight, Roosters deciding to err on the side of caution after 4th blow to head in 10 weeks. Sounds as if he passed initial HIA testing in sheds, but great to see the Roosters continuing a pattern of utmost care when it comes to brain injuries
The Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper has struggled with concussion throughout the season, suffering a head knock during the Roosters’ golden point loss to Melbourne in round 8 before missing a considerable amount of time after a similar incident at training before round 11.
Despite this, Robinson was more concerned about how he was dealing with the loss of his cousin.
“We looked after it really well, the whole assessment of it was quite physical,” he added.
“He got winded at the same time, it was a really heavy-hitting of the body there. His head is fine, it’s a big shock to take the wind out of him and trying to score at the same time.
“I’m not concerned about him health-wise, I’m more concerned… just Joel’s passing and all that around that.”
It continues the cautious approach by the Roosters towards head knocks, with Luke Keary spending a month straight on the sidelines last year with concussion
