gong_eagle
First Grade
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Bracing for the future
14 Apr 09 @ 04:43pm by JASON AVEDISSIAN
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/bracing-for-future/
BRUISING Manly centre Steve Matai will consider wearing a neck brace to prolong his NRL career.
The Kiwi international has already held talks with ex-Broncos coach Wayne Bennett about wearing a Brent Tate-like brace.
Matai has had at least two visits to the theatre for surgery on his damaged neck since making his NRL debut with the Sea Eagles in March 2005.
The 24-year-old is battling a flexed nerve in the same region and will visit a specialist for further advice next week.
Matai was named in the Sea Eagles squad to face the Rabbitohs on Saturday, but will be monitored throughout the week.
The Manly and New Zealand star said while the injury is not career-threatening, he will contemplate all options in a bid to extend his days on the paddock.
I will try anything that helps the neck, if thatll (neck-brace) help Ill be open for suggestions, Matai said on Tuesday.
I havent considered it before, but a few of the trainers have come to me and said, why dont you try it.
I will have a look at it and talk to Brent Tate about it.
Where I had the surgery its not going to be as strong and its going to be an ongoing (problem).
Ill see a specialist next week and hopefully he will give me a few options.
Matai said he will not change his style of play despite the on-going physical risks.
Ill just go out and play my normal game, he said.
Try and hit hard, tackle hard.
Ive got full confidence in the medical staff here and they have assured me that I should be fine.
Its just a bit of nerve damage and its just going to take time to settle down.
Manly coach Des Hasler said the neck brace is a viable option.
Last year he (Matai) had a conversation with Wayne Bennett whos had a lot to do with Brent Tate and the (wearing of a) neck brace, Hasler said.
I think theres some similarities, but theres still a bit of difference between the injuries.
It (the brace) is something our medical staff will look at as (a possible) advantage. If it helps him, well obviously look at that.
14 Apr 09 @ 04:43pm by JASON AVEDISSIAN
http://manly-daily.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/bracing-for-future/
BRUISING Manly centre Steve Matai will consider wearing a neck brace to prolong his NRL career.
The Kiwi international has already held talks with ex-Broncos coach Wayne Bennett about wearing a Brent Tate-like brace.
Matai has had at least two visits to the theatre for surgery on his damaged neck since making his NRL debut with the Sea Eagles in March 2005.
The 24-year-old is battling a flexed nerve in the same region and will visit a specialist for further advice next week.
Matai was named in the Sea Eagles squad to face the Rabbitohs on Saturday, but will be monitored throughout the week.
The Manly and New Zealand star said while the injury is not career-threatening, he will contemplate all options in a bid to extend his days on the paddock.
I will try anything that helps the neck, if thatll (neck-brace) help Ill be open for suggestions, Matai said on Tuesday.
I havent considered it before, but a few of the trainers have come to me and said, why dont you try it.
I will have a look at it and talk to Brent Tate about it.
Where I had the surgery its not going to be as strong and its going to be an ongoing (problem).
Ill see a specialist next week and hopefully he will give me a few options.
Matai said he will not change his style of play despite the on-going physical risks.
Ill just go out and play my normal game, he said.
Try and hit hard, tackle hard.
Ive got full confidence in the medical staff here and they have assured me that I should be fine.
Its just a bit of nerve damage and its just going to take time to settle down.
Manly coach Des Hasler said the neck brace is a viable option.
Last year he (Matai) had a conversation with Wayne Bennett whos had a lot to do with Brent Tate and the (wearing of a) neck brace, Hasler said.
I think theres some similarities, but theres still a bit of difference between the injuries.
It (the brace) is something our medical staff will look at as (a possible) advantage. If it helps him, well obviously look at that.
