KEV OPS TO IT
But crock Brown will quit this year
KEV BROWN has agreed to go under the knife after being warned he’d end up on crutches after every game if not.
The ankle surgery means the Salford half-back will be out for up to 10 weeks and it has convinced him to retire at the end of the season.
But before he hangs up his boots, Super League’s oldest player has vowed to return in August and make his young son proud.
The 36-year-old said: “Having the injury made the decision to retire at the end of the season a bit easier. But I’m not done just yet. I’ve not played in front of my lad Harry for a long time because of Covid. I really want to get back so he can watch me.”
Brown had hoped to play through the pain, just like he did with the same injury at last year’s Challenge Cup Final.
But a surgeon has told him that he can’t keep repeating those heroics, after again rupturing ankle ligaments. Brown said: “When he told me my ankle was bust and I needed surgery, I asked if I could play on and get the operation at the end of the year.
“I had exactly the same injury last year but got jabbed up so I could play in the cup final, though I was left on crutches after the game.
“That was okay for one game but I don’t think I could do that for the 20 or so games that are left. There is no point in trying to play and ultimately not helping but becoming a hindrance.” Brown suffered the injury in his left ankle – the opposite one to last season – in mid-may but had initially hoped rest would solve the problem.
He said: “Three weeks down the line it was still shocking. I had a scan which showed the ligament is ruptured.
“It’s really disappointing because I wanted to carry on because of where we are as a team. But unfortunately there’s no alternative.”
Salford are struggling in 11th, losing seven of their eight Super League games.
Brown met coach Richard Marshall yesterday to discuss his decision to have surgery this Friday.
He said: “Even though I’ll be doing rehab, I still want to help the team out however I can. With a bit of luck on the field, and hopefully no more injuries, I’m confident we will be fine.”
A MEMBER of St Helens’ Challenge Cup-winning women’s team has tested positive for Covid, forcing the postponement of Sunday’s Super League clash with Wigan.