State of Origin: More issues for New South Wales as Victor Radley ruled out through injury

Victor Radley has suffered more State of Origin heartbreak after being ruled out of game one against Queensland with an ankle injury.

Radley was nailed on to be named in the New South Wales squad but injury has denied him once again. The Sydney Roosters star also missed out in 2020 and 2021 due to injury and suspension. This latest setback will really sting for both Radley and Blues coach Brad Fittler.

Cameron Murray, Latrell Mitchell and Ryan Papenhuyzen have already been ruled out of game one on 8th June. And now Radley can be added to the injury list.

Victor Radley could need surgery

The 24-year-old suffered a syndesmosis injury in the Magic Round win over Parramatta. Radley is still waiting to learn if he will need to undergo an operation to fix the issue. If that is the case he is looking at 10 weeks on the sidelines.

But even if he avoids surgery he is expected to be out for up to six weeks. Either way it means Radley will not be named in Fittler’s squad on 29th May.

He will have to wait for his debut and although it is a huge disappointment, NSW and Roosters skipper James Tedesco says it is only a matter of time before he does make his Blues bow.

“For him personally, it is not a great time to get that injury but that’s footy, I guess,” Tedesco told the media. “He is waiting to learn if he needs surgery or not but it will be at least five weeks.

“From Victor’s point of view that is disappointing. He got suspended last year for five weeks and couldn’t be chosen for Origin. He is always on the verge. I am pretty sure he is close to getting picked, so hopefully he gets back quick and who knows what can happen.”

Too soon for Suaalii

With the Blues stars dropping like flies, Roosters teen star Joseph Suaalii has been mentioned. However Tedesco believes it is too early for the 18-year-old to be handed his Origin debut.

Tedesco is in no doubt the winger is a star of the future. But Origin is a huge step up and not one Suaalii should be taking just now.

“I wouldn’t say to pick him,” Tedesco added. “He is a great young player and I think in the next couple of years he will definitely be there but I don’t want to put that pressure on him now.”