The former doctor for the Australian rugby league team, Nathan Gibbs, has cautioned Brisbane Broncos captain Darren Lockyer that he risks his eyesight by participating in games with a fractured cheekbone.
Despite medical professionals warning him about possible eyesight risks, Lockyer remains resolute in his intention to lead the Broncos towards the NRL grand final.
The captain, who is set to retire, required the insertion of three titanium plates into his left cheekbone after a collision with teammate Gerard Beale during Saturday night’s intense match against St George Illawarra.
On Sunday night, from his hospital bed, Lockyer sent a text message to his supporters, expressing confidence in his ability to recover from the cheekbone surgery within five days.
“I will be playing on Friday, as it stands,” Lockyer stated.
“The plates inserted should be sufficient to ensure my cheek is strong enough for the game.”
However, former Australian Rugby League doctor Gibbs cautioned that playing while injured could lead to irreversible damage.
“He risks permanent eyesight damage by competing before his cheekbone sufficiently heals,” Gibbs emphasized.
“The healing process of his face will not be near completion in just a week.”
“It’s a matter of risk assessment. The preliminary final is approaching, and they will have to determine if the potential for further injury is worth the gamble.”
The Brisbane Broncos have adopted a wait-and-see stance concerning Lockyer’s recovery, who was discharged from the hospital on Sunday evening.
According to the NRL’s chief medical officer, Ron Muratore, placing the decision in Lockyer’s hands about participating in the grand final qualifier against Manly on Friday night is an undue pressure.
Dr. Gibbs mentioned that there is specialized headgear available designed for cheek protection, similar to what amateur boxers wear.
Ben McGlynn, a player for the Swans, utilized this protective gear during a 2010 finals match following a fractured cheekbone.
“Ben endured a severe fracture and underwent surgery,” Dr. Gibbs recounted. “Doctors recommended a recovery period of six to eight weeks, but he returned after four.”
Leo Barry, a former Sydney Swans AFL player, participated throughout the entire 2005 finals series, including their championship victory, despite having a fractured cheekbone.
“One key difference is that no one was aware of Leo’s injury,” Dr. Gibbs noted.
“In contrast, Lockyer’s injury is widely known, which may make him a target. Allowing Leo to play was unsafe, just as it would be to let Darren compete now. We advised Leo of the risks to his eyesight, and ultimately, he chose to play. This is the decision Darren must confront now.”
“Darren is undeniably tough and likely to push through the discomfort; the real question is how he weighs the risk of further injury.”
A victory would see the Broncos reach their first grand final since 2006, offering Lockyer an opportunity for a storybook conclusion to his NRL career.
Buford Balony says: He will play because it’s widely recognized that the Broncos cannot secure a win without Lockyer.
