Robinson defends Roosters as they continue cautious approach with Cordner

Trent Robinson has spoken with Boyd Cordner the long-term effects of concussion on his career – including the potential for it to be ended early – with the Roosters coach vehemently defending the club's handling of head knocks.

Cordner's well-being has been the subject of much debate this week after already sitting out six weeks this season as a result of two separate concussions earlier in the year.

The inspirational NSW and Australian captain passed HIA protocols after his head once again hit the SCG turf heavily last week against Newcastle.

But Cordner did not return given the emotional toll of a week in which his cousin Joel Dark passed away, having suffered his own head knock playing first grade in the local Newcastle competition.

The Roosters have since erred on the side of caution once more by sitting him out of Saturday's clash with Cronulla.

Robinson said Cordner had told him he was "feeling fine" and that his subsequent tests "have been good and clear", with the star back-rower expected to return for a final round clash with South Sydney.

Asked on Friday if he held concerns Cordner's career could be ended earlier than planned by continued head knocks, Robinson said: "We have had those discussions about how to treat Boyd in the right way, both with people within the club, specialists and family members.

"We know it's something we're not going to discuss with anybody else.

"The integrity of our group will stay in the group and we will look after our players as we see fit in the best possible way."

Cordner is regarded as one of the toughest players in the game since making his club debut in 2011.

The 28-year-old is one of several Roosters the club has taken more precaution with than most, with Luke Keary, Ryan Matterson and Jake Friend all rested for long stints in recent years after suffering head knocks.

However Cordner's history of head knocks has prompted suggestions of an early retirement from some quarters.

Robinson said he understood such concern, but took umbrage with views expressed by former Wallaby and Sydney Morning Herald columnist Peter Fitzsimons, who questioned the Roosters approach to their skipper's health.

"Peter has done a very good job over the years about pushing his views on concussion and pushing sport on that," Robinson said.

"That has been a very positive thing.

"Now on multiple occasions he has questioned our integrity as a club and our handling of that.

"Luke Keary he questioned when we gave him six weeks off at the beginning of the year [in 2018] and again six weeks off [midway through 2019] which is unprecedented.

"We have doctors and specialists independent of this club which we use, and then we have discussions with their family members

"And I know our protocols are right. So somebody with a keyboard is not going to tell us what we're going to do.

"To question the integrity of individuals in that is disappointing and unacceptable from our point of view."

Angus Crichton looms as Cordner's most likely starting replacement against the Sharks, with Sonny Bill Williams expected to continue his NRL return from the bench.