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Graham won't rush back from concussion

3 minute read

Wade Graham has ruled himself out of Cronulla's NRL clash with Newcastle after a second concussion in 15 days, and is unsure when he will return.

WADE GRAHAM.
WADE GRAHAM. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Wade Graham will miss Cronulla's NRL clash with Newcastle on Friday and admits he is now a week-to-week proposition after suffering two concussions in 15 days.

The Cronulla captain took a heavy hit in Saturday night's loss to the Sydney Roosters, after he got his head in the wrong spot trying to tackle Isaac Liu.

Veteran centre Josh Dugan will also miss the Knights clash through concussion, after he suffered a second head knock in the space of seven days.

But despite the back-to-back hits, Graham insists he is feeling OK and will begin a return-to-play procedure on Tuesday for his return.

"I will definitely miss this week for sure and then after that it will be a week-to-week situation," Graham said.

"My goal will definitely be to return to play sooner rather than later but it's something we can't rush.

"I will work with the performance staff and the medical guys but I am pretty confident that I can get back out there pretty soon."

Graham has had concussion issues in the past, after being levelled by a Frank Pritchard shoulder charge in 2011 and a Joey Leilua elbow in 2016.

But his history is nothing like that of Boyd Cordner or the recently retired Jake Friend, with the Sharks back-rower not having the same concerns over his future.

What does worry him, however, is the similar nature of his tow most recent concussion incidents.

Both have come after getting his head in the wrong position while defending in the line, with Graham having already seen Sharks defensive coach Josh Hannay over the incidents.

"I'm more disappointed in myself. Both things it has been a technique thing, not an injury thing," Graham said.

"Both times it's been a guy coming from the right to the left, me ducking my head too early and just putting my head in the wrong spot.

"I have already been in and seen our defensive coach about next time I go out on the field, if that situation occurs I don't put myself in a position where I could potentially get hurt again.

"I'm more disappointed in myself and my own actions about not looking after myself."

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