LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a brutal and bruising encounter, Roosters captain James Tedesco was left out cold after a sickening collision with Bulldogs player Viliame Kikau.
The NRL clash between the two teams on a rainy Friday night saw four players unable to return to the field after failing Head Injury Assessment (HIA) protocols.
Blake Taafe, Tedesco, Sam Walker, and Harrison Edwards were all forced out of the game, leading both teams to activate the 18th man rule in the downpour.
Tedesco's worrying injury occurred as he tried to tackle the much larger Kikau, putting his body on the line in a valiant effort.
Despite his best efforts, Tedesco found himself on the receiving end of a powerful hit from Kikau, resulting in him being knocked unconscious on the field.
Concerns were immediately raised for the Roosters star as he lay motionless on the ground.
NRL Physio Brien Seeney noted that this incident marked Tedesco's 10th concussion-related absence.
As a result of this latest head injury, Tedesco will now undergo the mandatory 11-day stand down period for the Roosters, causing him to miss their upcoming match.
This setback adds to the challenges faced by the Roosters as they navigate a demanding NRL season filled with physical tests and fierce competition.