What happens to Billy Smith?

[rented tracksuit]

From my understanding Billy Smith will undergo surgery then participate in an appropriate 6 phase rehabilitation protocol program for an unrestricted return to sport.

One would assume he would also undertake a prevention program to reduce the risk of ACL and other knee injuries - i.e one that focus on strength, mobility, balance, neuromuscular control, plyometrics and refining your landing, pivoting and general training techniques.

It would be interesting to see the stats on ACL injuries over say the past 20 years and why as per below these are increasing

Of all the countries in the world, Australia has the highest reported rate of both anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and surgical ACL reconstruction following their injury.

The rate of ACL injuries in those aged under 25 years has risen by 70% over the past 15 years – with a “worrying” amount of ACL surgery in those over 15 years old, the greatest risk being to men aged 20-24 years and women aged 15-19 years.

https://www.allsportsphysio.com.au/2...-in-australia/

What do womens ACL issues have to do with Billy Smith’s?

[The Lip]

Off contract at the end of 2023.

What next is we support him through whatever he needs because that’s the right thing to do as a club. Nothing else should be up for discussion.

Very clear based on this year that we need upgrades on Keighran and Naiqama as depth options though as neither seem to be genuine options for Robisnon anymore.

I liked this post and then had to unlike it when I saw the upgrade Naiqama bit - seriously I would rather upgrade Billy on one leg

[mightyrooster]

I liked this post and then had to unlike it when I saw the upgrade Naiqama bit - seriously I would rather upgrade Billy on one leg

I think you’ve missed R6’s point. By upgrade he means replacements for Naigama and AK, as neither seem to be genuine options for Robbo anymore.

[King Salvo]

What do womens ACL issues have to do with Billy Smith’s?

[rented tracksuit]

That’s funny! Well done Sally.

I am still waiting for you to answer the question though. Bet you don’t.

[Dr. Voodoo Man]

Back to square one for Billy Smith. Hopefully he his mind and body are up for the challenge of making it back.

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Billy has had a terrible run with injury, and it's a sign of a very strong will that he has come back, and was playing very well this season, really putting in with his defence and all round play..... it's heartbreaking to see him suffer this latest injury. I think he could have been something very special given a couple of years injury free, and maybe there is still time for him if he can go through the rehab process again.

[The Brain]

Billy Smith indirectly has given Paul Momirovski a lifeline for this season because now Robbo doesn't really have any other choice but to use Manu and Momirovski in the centres if Keary will return in the halves.


If for some reason Manu is the 5/8 moving forward then I would leave Paul Momirovski on the right centre because he didn't look that bad against the Dragons and possibly find someone to slot in at left centre.


I don't think Adam Keighran will get called in so perhaps Tom Carr ? I can't see Kevin Naiqama getting called in.


Can we put Hutchinson in at left centre ? He has to be in the 17 in some way so why not use him as a centre until we find some solutions for next season.


As everyone has said, I hope Billy Smith recovers well !

Momo has always favoured playing on his right ...You will see he should kill it from there the rest of theb season if we have any gas left.

[Rooster90]

Don’t wish to be seen to be bagging the kid. How long does he have on contract? This may influence the decision.

long term injured. Third such injury. Not his best season.

if keary retires (hope not) then Manu a likely 5/8. We need centres or wingers.

what would you do with Smith and who would you look to?

What happens next is that the club continues to support Billy both physically and mentally and not even worry about his immediate playing future...he is still contracted for next year

Connor Tracey had 4x ACL recos and has shown the last few years it is possible to get back to playing good footy, look at Teddy also after 2x he had to change his running style completely.

It's going to be more of a mental battle than physical to come back from imo

[Vasco]

Momo has always favoured playing on his right ...You will see he should kill it from there the rest of theb season if we have any gas left.

Is his "killing it" on the right side going to be better than what Manu can deliver out there?

I don't think Manu is suited on the left as he has a right foot step.

[ism22]

What happens next is that the club continues to support Billy both physically and mentally and not even worry about his immediate playing future...he is still contracted for next year

Connor Tracey had 4x ACL recos and has shown the last few years it is possible to get back to playing good footy, look at Teddy also after 2x he had to change his running style completely.

It's going to be more of a mental battle than physical to come back from imo

Agreed mate. He wouldn't be taking up much salary cap space anyway...

[King Salvo]

That’s funny! Well done Sally.

I am still waiting for you to answer the question though. Bet you don’t.

[zac]

such terrible news. if he has a contract until the end of next year he'll do his rehab and have a good shot at the second half of next season. hopefully he gets through that and puts all of this behind him

[rented tracksuit]

Still waiting for the proof Sally.

[The Lip]

I think you’ve missed R6’s point. By upgrade he means replacements for Naigama and AK, as neither seem to be genuine options for Robbo anymore.

Ah I see and agree - AK is okay though