Friend to retire

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

Admittedly over the years there have been times when I've been critical of Jake's attacking decisions. But pound for pound I've never seen a more committed defensive player. Jake, if this is the end you will be missed. Thanks for the 3 premierships. Thanks for the blood you have shed for the Rooster's jeresy

[King Salvo]

you'd think if the nrl don't approve medical retirements for concussions they're leaving themselves open to be sued.

but yes, if they do approve them then insurance fees will rise

Be both if they do or they don't - Legal firms will be lining up.

NRL only seem to be worried about what rules they can change to make it supposedly more entertaining not on player health and well-being.

England's Rugby World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson is among eight former players planning to sue the game’s authorities for negligence, claiming the sport has left them with permanent brain damage.

All eight of the group has recently been diagnosed with the early signs of dementia. They blame repeated blows to the head and are understood to be seeking millions of pounds in damages.

In 2013, the NFL settled lawsuits from thousands of former players who developed dementia or other concussion-related health problems they say were caused by the very on-field violence that fueled the game's rise to popularity and profit.

The settlement, expected to cost the NFL more than US$1 billion, spared the league a trial over claims that it long hid what it knew about the link between concussions and brain injuries. The settlement fund is designed to cover more than 20,000 retirees suffering from brain disorders that include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and dementia.

The settlement did not include an admission from the NFL that it hid information from players about head injuries.


https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...in-damage?rm=a

[FREEMAN89]

Forever Our Friend

[King Salvo]

Good point made on Sterlo's 10 minutes with the journo's as i have mentioned before - training - they try to replicate games with contact training so this needs to be monitored, limited or cut out completely.

NFL for instance limits contact training to one session a week and some teams have no contact training at all with positive results in reducing concussions.

"The NFL has got to the point where 18 per cent of concussions happen in practice – it used to be closer to three-quarters. And it has been shown that the teams who cut out contact in practice have not suffered on the field. They're healthier and develop new ways to tackle efficiently.

It's a shame that change hasn't happened yet. It's simple maths – you can limit the number of days you get hit in the head.

Nowinski said their research of hundreds of deceased American football players show that the chances of developing brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) increases by 30 per cent with every season played.

Certainly tackling techniques need to be looked at to reduce the possibilities of concussions as well.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...-of-concussion

[Johnny73]

The mark of a good person is if they get into trouble that they get out of it. Jake went through a rough patch and came back stronger for it. He's been a good captain and great workhorse for the Roosters. Anyone that can retire with three premierships when some of the greatest of the game have had none deserves commendation.

[dice]

Friend has been a champion the last few years. We nearly lost him in 2014 through internal bleeding, and I will not begrudge his decision to ensure his children grow up with a father. Good luck to him. Thanks for the memories.

[Kelby]

I say we go for Mitch Kenny. Good player and off contract with the riff.
Him and Sammy going forward as I dont rate young Freddy...

[Blue Suede Schubert]

"Jake Friend will put his head in places I wouldn't put my feet."

Cooper Cronk 2018.

That sums Jake up pretty well.

[NorthChook]

Recent article posted by SMH says that Friend has had twenty concussions over his career

[King Salvo]

I say we go for Mitch Kenny. Good player and off contract with the riff.
Him and Sammy going forward as I dont rate young Freddy...

Lussick is doing just fine and will be one of the dummy halves going forward. I rate him .

[Lydon]

I say we go for Mitch Kenny. Good player and off contract with the riff.
Him and Sammy going forward as I dont rate young Freddy...

We have enough depth in that position, no need for Mitch Kenny

[Maxy Walker]

Lussick is doing just fine and will be one of the dummy halves going forward. I rate him .

Kiss of death

[Insider]

We have enough depth in that position, no need for Mitch Kenny

Verr[lls Freddy Lam and a few very good prospects in Tom Deakin, Kobe Rugless and Tyler Moriarty in our systems. Then there is Coby Thomas who would have debuted in place of Marsche if not for injury. Hooker is probably the last position we will be looking to strengthen over the next few years.

[Tommy Smith]

Kiss of death

The Statler & Waldorf crew might not rate Lussick highly but the King sees greatness.

The kid has potential, and has earned Robbo's trust. Sadly he also has Friend's penchant for throwing forward passes; even moreso.

But I won't be judging a rookie hooker this early. No way.

[Johnny73]

But I won't be judging a rookie hooker this early. No way.

Tilly Devine was much the same.