Super League star suffers “concerning” potential long term injury despite passing HIA

Salford Red Devils defeated Leeds Rhinos 22-12 last night.

Going into the game the Red Devils were missing key players like Tim Lafai and Ken Sio and matters were made worse when Ryan Brierley went off but a valiant display from Paul Rowley’s men with Chris Atkin filling in at fullback allowed the Red Devils to go on and claim a memorable win.

After the game Rowley spoke on how his side adapted: “We do practice chaos and people know each other’s positions. Losing any of our spine and losing Ryan today is a massive blow because they are such good players and are so important.

“But, you might lose a little quality of that player who is nailed on in that position but the one who steps up does a good job.

“So you lose a little bit but it doesn’t come crashing down because we are well versed and have practiced it many many times.

“We will get through it is our mentality.”

It was presumed Brierley had simply failed his Head Injury Assessment after stopping James Bentley from scoring.

However, the injury is more “concerning” than a head knock with it being a scratch to his eye akin to a lengthy injury Brierley suffered playing for Leigh Leopards, then the Leigh Centurions, against Leeds in 2021.

Rowley explained:

“He passed his HIA. He got a scratch to his eye similar what happened a couple of seasons ago here.

“That’s a concern because last time he was out for five weeks I think. So we will have to have that check obviously.

“It is not looking too good if I am honest.”