LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Gold Coast Titans rookie Cooper Bai has fortunately avoided serious injury following a car accident earlier this week. The club is taking a cautious approach in accordance with the NRL's head injury protocols.
The 19-year-old was en route to training at the Titans' Parkwood headquarters when the collision occurred, raising concern about a possible head injury. Although Bai has been cleared of any major injuries, he is sidelined from training as a precaution and is undergoing the NRL's mandatory 11-day stand-down period.
Titans coach Josh Hannay confirmed that the young forward was visibly shaken by the incident but assured that the club is prioritizing his well-being. "He was a bit shaken up by it all… He is a young fella that just had his first accident," Hannay told News Corp.
Hannay noted that Bai exhibited some post-accident symptoms, leading the team to adopt a cautious stance regarding his recovery. Bai did not participate in Friday's training session, choosing instead to observe from the sidelines in sandals. Hannay mentioned that Bai had been "a little bit off" in the days following the accident.
"He hasn't trained the last couple of days. He is a little bit 'off' after it all," Hannay added. "Thankfully, it was relatively innocuous and he wasn't speeding or anything. It was a legitimate accident."
The Titans are optimistic about Bai's return to full training in time for the club's trial matches, with Hannay expressing confidence that the forward will be ready, pending medical clearance.