Victor Radley on concussion recovery, the England ‘gut feel’ and the rise of the Roosters’ young guns

In the latest episode of Kenty Primetime, hosts Paul Kent and Johnny Elias sat down with Sydney Roosters star Victor Radley. From the intricacies of the NRL’s concussion protocols to the emotional pull of his English heritage and the shifting tides of the 2024 season, the loose forward provided an open and honest look into life both on and off the field.

Currently navigating the mandatory 11-day stand-down period following a concussion against the Cowboys, Radley was quick to reassure fans that he is feeling "good as gold" as he enters a three-week recovery block aided by the upcoming bye.

Reflecting on the incident and his history with head knocks, Radley offered a unique perspective on the physical toll of the game. He noted that many of his minor setbacks often occur under "fatigue," when his legs aren’t at their best and he finds himself "reaching and diving" in tackles.

"I feel completely fine," Radley said of his current state. "At this point, it’s just about being as healthy as I can... making sure I’ve got my legs about me for the back end."

The human side of HIA

A significant portion of the conversation focused on the NRL’s concussion testing. Radley walked the hosts through the "SCAT" test, which involves balance exercises and memorising a list of ten words, such as "jacket, honey, bubble." However, he was adamant that the most critical factor in player safety isn’t a standardised test, but the relationship between a player and their club staff.

"The biggest thing with concussion is your relationship with the physio and the doctor. That’s everything to me," Radley explained. He recounted how, despite passing his test on the weekend, the Roosters’ medical staff made the call to pull him from the game based on a "look in his eye" they had come to recognise over the years.

"They made the right decision," he added. "I’m thankful for them... it has to be with relationships. That’s why I don’t think there should ever be an independent doctor [making the final call]. You’ve got to have a doctor that’s known me for years."

The call of the St George’s Cross

Radley also delved into his 2022 decision to represent England over a potential State of Origin berth for New South Wales. Despite the "walk-up start" he likely had for the Blues, Radley followed what he described as a persistent "gut feel" to honour his father Nigel’s heritage.

"It’s been the best times of my life," Radley said of his tours with the England squad. He shared a poignant story of hanging his debut jersey in the Sheffield working man’s club where his grandfather Derek used to drink every day. "Just getting to know where he’s from and more about my grandfather was good... my dad’s not emotional, but I knew he was proud."

When asked about the ongoing debate regarding eligibility rules and whether tier-one international players should be allowed to play Origin, Radley remained pragmatic. "I made the decision knowing I couldn’t... I’m not looking for them to get changed. If they did get changed, it would be cool to get the chance to be in that arena again... but I’m not crossing my fingers."

Roosters’ ‘rebuild’ or rising tide?

Addressing the Roosters’ form, Radley praised the "young crop" coming through the club’s academy. He credited former captain Jake Friend and head coach Trent Robinson for preparing the likes of Siua Wong, Terrell May and Sandon Smith to step into first grade seamlessly.

"I feel like these young kids have trained like a first-grade side for three or four years," Radley noted. "They come in and they know every drill, they know the Roosters’ style of play. All Robbo has driven is just energy."

For Radley, the current season has been one of his most enjoyable yet, citing a deep connection within the squad and a return to the "pure football" of the defensive grind.

"The best defensive sides and the teams that can go in that ‘live ball’ the longest to break teams down win the comp," he said. "It’s hard to do... but the proof is coming in spades at the moment."

Watch the full interview on Fanatics TV.