Concussion will be back on the agenda in a big way tomorrow, with James McManus’s case against Newcastle to be heard for the first time in the Supreme Court.
But the issue is already at the forefront of Parramatta’s thinking as the club struggles to help hooker Isaac de Gois recover from some disturbing after-effects.
The 225-game veteran’s career is in the balance; sidelined for over a month since he suffered a knock in the Eels’ pre-season trial against Gold Coast on 10 February.
While rival clubs reportedly suspect Parramatta of exploiting the concussion rule for free interchanges, the club could not have been more thorough in its handling of de Gois.
Eels treading carefully with de Gois. Pic: Getty
The 32-year-old initially appeared okay, and the incident itself was rather innocuous.
But over time his symptoms have deteriorated to the point where Parramatta sent him for a brain scan a few weeks ago.
The tests came back clear. That’s obviously good news, but it’s also left experts confused over why de Gois continues to suffer headaches when his training begins to approach the intensity level required to make a return.
The former Sharks and Knights rake plays the game tough – he’s been knocked-out cold before and never experienced anything like this.
With the McManus case set to dominate discussion throughout the season, the De Gois story will command more interest than normal.
Replies
He's a tough little buggar, get well Goose!
at 32 and to be having such a concussion problem, its a real concern. Might be better to call it a day? For his own safety.
Agreed, life is more important, especially when he has family.
I see players like Tim Mannah, they're constantly being knocked out each game and then i think this is not good for them at all.
Players, should sometimes be told when it's time to go. I'd offer him a role within the club and support him to transit into his new life.
His long term health is what's important. What people also realise is this man was playing footy and getting knocked out way before he even joined parramatta.
Praying for a speedy recovery
Not even worth taking the slightest chance with concussion in my opinion...
Hopefully if that happens we don't have to put up with insurance bullshit again.
Taking absolutely nothing away from De Gois he been a wonderful pickup for the Eels and thrown everything he has into this jersey, but if he is forced into retirement, it must mean even more cap space? He'd be on something like $350 - $400k?
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