It’s taken until the cusp of the finals series, but firebrand Roosters lock Victor Radley has finally conceded he must change the way he plays the game.
The colourful character has missed eight games through suspension this season, having served five matches for two high tackles against Brisbane in May and a three-game ban for a charge-down against the Broncos in August.
Radley is now set to run out for his return game as the Tricolours face the Titans in Townsville on Saturday.
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Having had endless hours to mull over his on-field misdemeanors, the 23-year-old has finally admitted he must adapt.
“I just sit in my room and bang my head against the wall while the game’s on (during suspension) and then when the next game comes around I do the same thing until it’s over,” laughed Radley in a Nine News interview with Danny Weidler.
“I just don’t want to get suspended. I can’t get suspended is actually the answer … I just can’t keep on having another season like this. I’ve been suspended for eight games this year and it’s not good enough. I’ve got to find a way to not get suspended and I’m going to do that. I know what I’ve got to not do and that’s what I’m going to do.”
When Weidler asked Radley about the prospect of his foul play putting him “out of a job”, he appeared to agree.
“You’re going pretty deep there, but I’ll be back working for my old man … on the shovel,” Radley said with a grin.
“That’ll be enjoyable.”
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Radley believes he’s settled down since making the worst of his high tackles in the Broncos clash in May, which saw him clobber Tevita Pangai junior.
“Post-Pangai I’ve done well,” Radley said.
“I’ve reined in my aggression, I haven’t hit anyone high, I’ve had a couple of hiccups which are just penalties, but other than that I’ve been sweet.
“The charge-down one was obviously unfortunate.
“I just need to be a bit smarter.”
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