‘Bit scary’: Keary opens up on concussion
SYDNEY Roosters superstar Luke Keary says he and Boyd Cordner are preparing to undergo and pass a series of concussion tests in NSW Origin camp this week, stressing: “Nobody would let me play if I was putting myself in danger”.
Moving into the Blues’ new Central Coast bubble on Monday, Keary spoke with News Corp about the ongoing headknock concerns surrounding both he and the NSW skipper.
Already, several prominent commentators have urged Cordner to stand aside from this year’s interstate series after suffering three separate head knocks in 2020, which outed him for eight weeks.
Keary’s position has also been questioned given his own run of head knocks, the most recent coming just 12 days ago in his side’s semi-final loss against Canberra.
The likely Blues No.6 described that incident, which saw him leave the field for a HIA and eventually return, as “just a little bit of a spark”.
While Keary admitted not having all the answers to an issue like concussion was “a bit scary”, the 28-year-old stressed both he and Cordner were being guided by Australia’s leading brain injury experts.
Quizzed on the debate surrounding his Blues selection, Keary said: “I haven’t heard anyone say I shouldn’t play”.
“The incident (against Canberra) was just a little bit of a spark. It wasn’t too bad.
“I had a test in the sheds and passed. So I feel fine.
“And while I’m a footy player who doesn’t know much about the issue, I’m getting the very best medical advice available. There are some great people involved in the game now, just as there are strict protocols you have to follow to be able to play. So I’m confident nobody would let me play if I was putting myself in danger. Or if I wasn’t OK to play.”