NRL Fans Cry Foul Over Knights Defeat as Victor Radley’s Concussion Woes Deepen
The NRL community erupted with frustration and concern following a dramatic and contentious showdown between the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters, where the Knights suffered a narrow 12-8 defeat at McDonald Jones Stadium. The match has sparked heated debate online, with many fans insisting the Knights were “robbed” due to a highly controversial try awarded to Roosters forward Siua Wong. At the same time, growing concerns continue to mount over Roosters star Victor Radley, who suffered yet another concussion during the bruising encounter.
Radley’s injury occurred in the second half when he attempted a tackle on Newcastle’s Fletcher Hunt. It marked his second game-ending head knock of the 2025 season and further extended his troubling history with concussions. Over the past four seasons, Radley has sustained seven head knocks that have forced him off the field mid-game. Already this season, he’s undergone five Head Injury Assessments (HIAs), failing two—a worrying trend that has fans and experts alike deeply concerned about his long-term health and future in the sport.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson attempted to stay calm amid the growing fears surrounding his forward. He emphasized that Radley and fellow Roosters player Egan Butcher—who was also ruled out of Saturday’s game due to multiple recent head knocks—would benefit from the upcoming rest period. “They were close to passing,” Robinson said after the match. “They’ll get this week and then the bye, so that’s two weeks of rest and recovery.”
However, Robinson’s reassurances have done little to quell the unease among fans and commentators, many of whom still remember the premature retirements of Roosters legends Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner due to concussion issues—both under Robinson’s watch. Now, comparisons are being drawn to Radley, with calls for the NRL to take stronger action to protect its players.
Controversial Try Sparks Outrage Across NRL World
While Radley’s condition remains a significant concern, the drama of the night peaked in the game’s closing stages with the awarding of a hotly disputed try to the Roosters. With the Knights holding an 8-0 lead following a first-half try to Kyle McCarthy and a penalty goal from captain Dane Gagai, the Roosters launched a second-half comeback sparked by a brilliant run and offload from fullback James Tedesco. That play set up Salesi Foketi, cutting the margin to just two points.
Shortly after, Newcastle winger James Schiller fumbled a golden opportunity to extend his side’s lead when he spilled the ball over the try line. That error proved costly as the Roosters quickly counterattacked. Tedesco placed a delicate grubber into the in-goal area, where Siua Wong lunged at the ball and appeared to lose control as he attempted to ground it.
Replays suggested Wong knocked on before grounding the ball, as it seemed to brush off his hand without regathering. But the Bunker review ruled that he had grounded the ball legally with his forearm, awarding the Roosters a crucial try that put them ahead. The decision instantly ignited a storm on social media, with many fans and pundits arguing that the call was incorrect and cost the Knights the game.
Newcastle captain Dane Gagai didn’t hold back in his post-match reaction. “They said there was no separation, but I’ve never seen anyone control the ball with their forearm before,” Gagai said. While disappointed by the ruling, he acknowledged that his team had other chances to win. “It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we had our opportunities,” he added.
Knights coach Adam O’Brien chose to remain diplomatic during his post-match media conference, perhaps still feeling the sting from criticism he received the previous week after chastising fans for booing. Nevertheless, the sense of injustice from Newcastle’s side—and their supporters—was palpable.
Dom Young Returns to Knights After Roosters Exit
In a significant off-field development, Newcastle received a timely boost with confirmation that English winger Dom Young will return to the club after finalizing an early release from the Sydney Roosters. Just days after playing against the Knights in the very match that sparked such controversy, Young is now expected to rejoin the Novocastrians and start on the wing against the Dolphins in their next fixture.
Young had struggled to secure consistent game time at the Roosters, having fallen down the depth chart behind rising talents like Robert Toia and rugby union convert Mark Nawaqanitawase. Despite signing a four-year deal with the Roosters only 18 months ago, the towering 23-year-old never quite hit the same heights he had during his first stint with Newcastle.
Now back with the Knights on a two-and-a-half-year contract, Young returns to a team languishing near the bottom of the ladder in 15th place. Injuries and a lack of attacking flair have plagued the Knights all season, but the return of Young could provide a much-needed spark. In his final season with Newcastle before departing, he broke the club’s record for most tries in a single campaign—crossing the line 25 times as the Knights reached the second week of the 2023 finals.
Roosters head of recruitment Daniel Anderson thanked Young for his service and wished him well: “Dom is a talented athlete and a great person. We thank him for his contributions and wish him all the best.”
Young is likely to replace James Schiller in the starting lineup and reunite with Greg Marzhew on the wings, a pairing that had previously terrorized opposition defenses. For the Knights, the return of Young offers a glimmer of hope in an otherwise frustrating season marred by close losses, injuries, and now, a fresh wave of officiating controversy.
As debate rages over the outcome of Saturday’s fiery encounter and Victor Radley’s troubling concussion history, one thing is clear—the drama in the NRL is showing no signs of slowing down.
