The NRL community is expressing concerns regarding Victor Radley after he suffered another worrying head knock during the Sydney Roosters' 14-6 loss to the Warriors on March 21, 2025. Radley, the Roosters lock, took a heavy blow to the head while attempting a low tackle, a scene that has become all too familiar for the 27-year-old. He was promptly removed from the field by the independent doctor for a head injury assessment. Fortunately, he passed the assessment, but given Radley's history with head injuries, the scrutiny surrounding his tackling technique is intensifying.
Former NRL star and commentator Steve Roach highlighted these concerns during the Fox League coverage, noting that while many head knocks result from high tackles, Radley's aggressive tackling approach may also be a contributing factor. “You’ve got to worry about the technique of Victor. He goes in at 100 miles an hour every tackle he makes. I think he’s got to adjust that tackling [technique] just a little bit,” Roach remarked. Concerns heightened as this head knock marked yet another incident in a series of similar injuries for Radley. Just the week prior, in the Roosters' opening-round match against the Broncos, Radley had to leave the field after colliding with teammate James Tedesco, sidelining him from their victory against the Panthers due to the league's mandated 11-day stand-down policy.
As for the match itself, the Roosters managed to score first, opening the game with a try from forward Naufahu Whyte in the 22nd minute. However, the Warriors showed resilience and quickly answered with a try from Ali Leiataua shortly thereafter. By halftime, the Roosters were clinging to a narrow 6-4 lead, but the momentum shifted dramatically as the Warriors dominated the second half.
In the closing quarter of the match, the Warriors burst into action, asserting their authority with two crucial tries, one scored by Chanel Harris-Tavita and the other by Leiataua, who capped off his outstanding performance by scoring his second try. The Warriors eventually secured the game with a comfortable 14-6 win.
The match was not without its injuries, as Roosters hooker Connor Watson also had to leave the field for a head injury assessment before the first half concluded and was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the game. Meanwhile, Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck took a leg injury in the 56th minute, also exiting the field.
This defeat puts additional pressure on the Roosters, who will face the Titans at Allianz Stadium on March 28, while the Warriors are set to meet the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on March 30. With Watson unavailable due to his concussion, the Roosters will need to make adjustments to their lineup in preparation for the upcoming match.
On a separate note, the Warriors also secured a dominant victory in Round Three of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup on the same day, overwhelming the Roosters with a score of 46-12 at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. This marked the Warriors' third consecutive win in the competition, with the halftime score reflecting their complete dominance at 28-0. Five first-half tries underscored their control of the game, as Te Maire Martin quickly established himself by scoring two tries within the opening 13 minutes.
Martin’s first try came in just the sixth minute, receiving a pass from his halves partner Tanah Boyd, followed by an impressive solo effort where he evaded multiple defenders during a 55-metre run. Fullback Geronimo Doyle also added to the tally by scoring after chasing down a kick, along with Morgan Harper who scored by chasing a kick from Martin.
Not to be outdone, Rocco Berry intercepted a kick from Roosters player Jake Elliott, resulting in a stunning 70-metre try. Boyd converted four out of five attempts in the first half, setting the stage for the Warriors’ comprehensive tear through the Roosters’ defense.
The second half continued to see the Warriors thrive as Kayliss Fatialofa and Kalani Going scored tries early on thanks to assists from Martin. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava later added to the lead, marking the Warriors’ eighth try. Despite the Roosters finally getting on the board with a try from Tom Rodwell in the 67th minute and another from Billy Smith shortly thereafter, the damage had already been done with the Warriors scoring eight unanswered tries to secure the game.
Currently, Tanah Boyd sits atop the NSW Cup point-scorers list with 31 points, and the Warriors have showcased their offensive prowess by scoring a total of 16 tries in the opening three rounds. The Roosters are left to regroup ahead of their challenge against the Raiders in Belconnen on March 29, setting the stage for what promises to be an arduous recovery from these twin defeats.
