Robbo’s concussion fears
The short-term future of Manly grand-final hero Michael Robertson is clouded as he continues to recover from the effects of a concussion suffered against Newcastle three weeks ago.
Robertson, who scored a hat-trick in the Sea Eagles’ 40-0 victory over Melbourne in the 2008 decider, suffered a head knock against the Knights in Round 19.
The durable winger is rated as one of the NRL’s iron men having played 139 consecutive NRL games before a knee injury sidelined him for the first time in his career in May.
But the 28-year-old is staring down the barrel of an extended layoff after being hit hard by a series of headaches and other debilitating symptoms similar to those experienced by Wallabies star Berrick Barnes in recent months.
“He’s still getting over a bout of concussion so the doctor’s a little bit concerned about it so we’ll see where he lies with that,” coach Des Hasler said on Tuesday.
“He had a knee problem and he got over that but just this concussion problem has come up so we’ve just need to make sure everything’s ok and he won’t be back this weekend.”
“I think he’s having a few headaches but he’s seeing the necessary doctors and necessary specialists.”
Hasler confirmed Robertson would consult a specialist on Tuesday after the side effects ‘flared up again’.
The coach concedes the nature of Roberston’s injury is a concern but is confident the winger is not suffering from the ‘footballers migraine’ condition that caused Barnes to take an indefinite break from rugby last month.
‘Footballers migraine’ is a condition typically caused by a series of head knocks, with dizziness and headaches among the main symptoms.
“It is (concerning) but our medical (staff) are very good at what they do so they’ll take care of him,” Hasler said.
“It’s probably not (footballers migraine), the pain could be radiating from somewhere else but that’s what they will check out.”
Hasler added of Robertson’s current state of mind: “He’s a bit frustrated with it, yeah. He’s one of those ones that played a hundred and umpteen (consecutive) games so it’s always frustrating on the sidelines.”
Pressed on how long the former Scotland international is likely to spend on the injured list, the coach said the club would know later on Tuesday once more diagnosis was done but added Robertson would return to training this week if cleared of anything sinister.