Manly fullback Tom Trbojevic has been cleared to play this Friday night against the Dolphins after suffering a head knock in Origin I, but league legend Gordon Tallis says it sets a ‘dangerous’ precedent.
Trbojevic was taken from the field with 12 minutes remaining in Origin I in Adelaide as a Category 1 HIA, which results in an automatic 11-day stand down period from playing.
But Manly released a statement on Tuesday stating that Trbojevic was never diagnosed with concussion and as such has been cleared to play in Round 15 by the NRL.
While it’s a boost for the Sea Eagles, who currently sit 10th place on the NRL ladder, Tallis says seeking medical advice for a desirable diagnosis is dangerous.
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“A doctor goes ‘no, he’s stood down’ and now another doctor has come and said ‘no, no, he’s right to play’,” Tallis told Footy Talk.
“I can just go around now, I could go out the streets here in Sydney and walk and get something and just find a doctor that tells me that I’m sick or this or that. Someone will write a script.
“I think it’s a little bit dangerous.”
Trbojevic will have this round to prepare for Origin II on 21 June at Suncorp Stadium, with the Blues needing to win to keep the series alive after a 26-18 loss in the opener.
Souths pair Latrell Mitchell (calf) and Cameron Murray (groin) have not been named to face the Dragons on Saturday, but it is understood they could be fit for selection for Origin II.
Despite having played no football since Origin I, and 10 days prior to that in Mitchell’s case, Tallis says he would pick the star duo despite the lack of match fitness.
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