Tony Smith confirms Brad Takairangi has probably played his last game for Hull KR
Hull KR head coach Tony Smith has told Love Rugby League that Brad Takairangi may well have played his last game for the club.
Tearing his hamstring in last week’s defeat at Castleford Tigers, Centre Takairangi is out of contract with the Robins at the end of this season. Now sidelined, he will not make another appearance in 2022 at the least.
Earlier this season, the Australian was also in trouble off the field with a drink-driving charge. Boss smith – himself departing Craven Park at the end of this campaign – confirmed Takairangi probably won’t feature again for KR.
“I’d assume that’s a strong possibility,” said Smith.
“I’m not the right person to ask in terms of future but with him coming off this injury now, I’d assume so.
“He went for a scan yesterday and it’s pretty much confirmed what we’d expected it to. He’s torn the ligament as well, so it’ll be a lengthy repair and recovery.
“His season’s done. We’re disappointed for him, not the way he would’ve liked to have ended things.”
Brad’s Bad Year
Joining KR last year, Takairangi made 17 Super League appearances, helping the side to the semi-finals of the play-offs.
Only four more have followed this season amidst problems both on and off the field. That just a third of the Robins’ league games so far this term, Takairangi also missed all three Challenge Cup games. Defeat to Huddersfield Giants at the semi-final stage is included in that.
Smith reflected on the centre’s time with KR, adding, “I don’t know if it’s a fair summary of it [to say that this injury sums up his year].
“It’s been a very mixed year for Takas with some extreme lows in amongst that. He’s very grateful for all sorts of things in his life.”
Smith’s side take on Catalans Dragons at Craven Park this Saturday. They are live on Channel 4 (12:30PM kick-off) for the first time.
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