'Can't be allowed': Cronulla Sharks under fire over damning footage
The Cronulla Sharks look certain to come under scrutiny from the NRL after Connor Tracey was allowed to run back into the defensive line despite appearing to be concussed against the Dragons.
Tracey stayed down after appearing to hit his head on the turf in a heavy collision with Zac Lomax in the Sharks' win over the Dragons on Thursday night.
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Cronulla trainers immediately moved to assist Tracey as play continued, with one trainer signalling that he needed to go off for a Head Injury Assessment.
However Tracey was seen sprinting back into the defensive line just seconds later as the Dragons peppered the try line.
“He has been ruled concussed and still the game continues. That’s two tackles with a man down," Andrew Voss said in commentary for Fox Sports.
“Dragons will get one more play at least with that situation. Surely they will have to stop in a moment. They are 10 metres from the line.
"Although Tracey is getting up and running back to the line.”
The Dragons scored on the ensuing play and Tracey was then taken from the field for an HIA.
“There is a lot to take in there and my greatest concern is we had video evidence the trainer has signalled Tracey has got to go,” Voss said.
“He has then let him go back in the defensive line.
"How can that happen? How can you let a player go that you have just ruled out and you let him go back in the line.
“I know they are brave, but Tracey can’t be allowed to go back or should the game have stopped?”
Tracey passed his HIA and returned to the field, only to suffer a groin injury not long after.
How is this so difficult for the game to get right?
— Walter Matty (@waltermatty04) March 24, 2022
How did the trainer let him go back in to the line must be a huge please explain here?????
— Kevin (@Kevin01992727) March 24, 2022
Trainer trying to get the game stopped with Dragons well on the attack. Similar to Panthers trainer in last years final
— Squire on Fire (@onfiresquire) March 24, 2022
Will the club get fined for that? Can't tell everyone 'this guys needs a HIA' but then let him get back in the defensive line
— IIDA HAS RETURNED (@spannerhead29) March 24, 2022
He shouldn’t have continued playing.
Players have to take responsibility for their own health as well. It’s not completely down to the officials.— TGG-League (@RugbyLeagueTGG) March 24, 2022
Cronulla Sharks combos clicking into gear
After the game, Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said the best is yet to come from his new attacking spine of fullback Will Kennedy, five-eighth Matt Moylan, new halfback Nicho Hynes and hooker Blake Brailey.
The foursome's skills and anticipation went a long way to Cronulla securing their second win from the opening three rounds, with a convincing 36-12 victory over St George Illawarra in Wollongong.
Three of them are aged under 26, with Moylan the only 'veteran' at 30, while Moylan and Hynes had never played together until the former Storm utility arrived at the club in the pre-season.
"He's just a good footy player," Fitzgibbon said of Hynes, who set up a try, scored one of his own, made four tackle-busts, 17 runs and kicked 552 metres, alongside landing six goals.
"But I'm just happy with him and Matt and Will and Blake - everyone talks about the spine, right?" said Fitzgibbon.
"The thing that I'm most happy about is how they work hard, they train hard, they play hard. They get involved in the game.
"There are parts of their games we'll be able to improve on and work on and grow from.
"I don't think they're at where they are capable of being, but they're building nicely.
"I just love watching their effort. They just don't stop, they don't seem to get tired. That's what is the most pleasing thing about those guys."
with AAP
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