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THE Sydney Roosters are breaking new ground in NRL professionalism by sending injured centre Blake Ferguson to the United States to undergo specialised recovery treatment from one of the world’s leading sports medicine experts.
Ferguson will spend a fortnight under the care of Bill Knowles, a Philadelphia based medico who has worked with soccer giants Manchester United and Real Madrid, golfer Tiger Woods, NFL superstar Peyton Manning and Olympic track athletes.
The Roosters are hoping Knowles can fast track Ferguson’s four-month injury lay-off by at least a fortnight, having researched his incredible success rate with some of the world’s most elite athletes with knee and foot injuries.
Knowles is credited with helping Tiger Woods recover from an ACL injury weeks ahead of schedule.
“The attention that Blake can get over there in two weeks is going to be invaluable,” said coach Trent Robinson, who himself holds a university sports science degree.
“Our head of performance Travis Touma raised the idea then we came up with a proposal and Nick (Politis) and our management signed off on it.
“Blake will get treatment twice a day. And we are sending our own physio too to do some extra work with him.
“This guy is the best in the world at treating this sort of injury (a fracture of the bone in the Lisfranc joint of his foot).
“Blake’s been outstanding with his rehab so far and he’s obviously very excited about anything that’s going to accelerate his comeback.”
Up until Friday night’s barnstorming victory over the Wests Tigers, the Roosters had been desperately missing the attacking thrust that Ferguson provides on the right side.
The former State of Origin star will leave this afternoon, accompanied by one of the Roosters’ physiotherapists who hopes to use some of Knowles cutting-edge ideas and techniques at the Roosters when he returns.
“It’s hard leaving (partner) Bianca who is nearly 18 weeks pregnant but I’ll try anything if it’s going to help my recovery,” he said.
“It’s a double bonus because our physio is coming over too and he’ll be able to see what the experts are doing at another level and bring it home to the Roosters.
“I’m really hoping and trying my hardest for round 15 against the Dragons if everything goes well. That’s my goal.
“It will give me time to get my match-fitness for the back end of the season.”
The Roosters will spend more than $20,000 on airfares, accommodation and the treatment.
Knowles has lectured internationally on his training methods, injury prevention and recovery strategies. He spoke at a conference in London last month attended by sports doctors from the EPL soccer clubs.
“The professionalism at the club is amazing,” Ferguson said, “I think we’re the best in physio, rehab, weights and all that stuff that can give you an edge.
“This year has already been a real learning curve for me in treating injuries.”
Robinson insists that the cost of the trip will be more than justified if his barnstorming centre can return for the game against St George-Illawarra.
“It’s a big expense and I know people think we’ve got money coming out of ears but we’ve got budget restraints like all the clubs,” he said.
“We want the best performances possible that will in turn help our budget.
“And you just want your best players on the field.”
Ferguson will spend a fortnight under the care of Bill Knowles, a Philadelphia based medico who has worked with soccer giants Manchester United and Real Madrid, golfer Tiger Woods, NFL superstar Peyton Manning and Olympic track athletes.
The Roosters are hoping Knowles can fast track Ferguson’s four-month injury lay-off by at least a fortnight, having researched his incredible success rate with some of the world’s most elite athletes with knee and foot injuries.
Knowles is credited with helping Tiger Woods recover from an ACL injury weeks ahead of schedule.
“The attention that Blake can get over there in two weeks is going to be invaluable,” said coach Trent Robinson, who himself holds a university sports science degree.
“Our head of performance Travis Touma raised the idea then we came up with a proposal and Nick (Politis) and our management signed off on it.
“Blake will get treatment twice a day. And we are sending our own physio too to do some extra work with him.
“This guy is the best in the world at treating this sort of injury (a fracture of the bone in the Lisfranc joint of his foot).
“Blake’s been outstanding with his rehab so far and he’s obviously very excited about anything that’s going to accelerate his comeback.”
Up until Friday night’s barnstorming victory over the Wests Tigers, the Roosters had been desperately missing the attacking thrust that Ferguson provides on the right side.
The former State of Origin star will leave this afternoon, accompanied by one of the Roosters’ physiotherapists who hopes to use some of Knowles cutting-edge ideas and techniques at the Roosters when he returns.
“It’s hard leaving (partner) Bianca who is nearly 18 weeks pregnant but I’ll try anything if it’s going to help my recovery,” he said.
“It’s a double bonus because our physio is coming over too and he’ll be able to see what the experts are doing at another level and bring it home to the Roosters.
“I’m really hoping and trying my hardest for round 15 against the Dragons if everything goes well. That’s my goal.
“It will give me time to get my match-fitness for the back end of the season.”
The Roosters will spend more than $20,000 on airfares, accommodation and the treatment.
Knowles has lectured internationally on his training methods, injury prevention and recovery strategies. He spoke at a conference in London last month attended by sports doctors from the EPL soccer clubs.
“The professionalism at the club is amazing,” Ferguson said, “I think we’re the best in physio, rehab, weights and all that stuff that can give you an edge.
“This year has already been a real learning curve for me in treating injuries.”
Robinson insists that the cost of the trip will be more than justified if his barnstorming centre can return for the game against St George-Illawarra.
“It’s a big expense and I know people think we’ve got money coming out of ears but we’ve got budget restraints like all the clubs,” he said.
“We want the best performances possible that will in turn help our budget.
“And you just want your best players on the field.”
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