Star Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary’s Blues career might be over before it begins, with concerns over his concussion history in an Origin series where “confrontation is much harder.”
Speaking on Sportsday, former Penrith star Scott Sattler believes that the NSW coaching staff have concerns over the Sydney playmaker’s health.
“I’m also hearing there is a bit of a concern for Freddie (Brad Fittler)... and that coaching team for the NSW Blues, there is a concern with Luke Keary and the head knocks he gets,” Sattler said.
“The more you get knocked out, the shorter your wick gets... you get knocked out a lot easier.
“He has suffered some pretty bad head knocks, and there are some concerns with playing Keary at Origin level.”
Not only does Sattler believe the coaching staff are worried about Keary’s long term health, but if they’ll have a potential replacement if the 28-year old is to come from the field with a head knock during a game.
“If he goes down early with concussion, is there someone to replace him?”
While Sattler laid out the concern, Gary Belcher believes that Jack Wighton could slot into Keary’s spot with a position shuffle, making the need for a replacement not as pressing.
If Keary is to miss Origin, it would be a major blow for the Rooster, who despite having a Clive Churchill medal and multiple premierships, has never received an Origin jersey – sitting behind James Maloney in the Blues pecking order.
Keary currently sits in the NSW extended squad, and the first Origin game is set for November 4 at the Adelaide Oval.