League great Darren Lockyer says he witnessed first hand the “scary” complications that have put Tom Flegler’s career in doubt, revealing that he saw him a week after he was injured in round five and the Dolphins prop “literally couldn’t feel his arm”.
Lockyer’s comments followed a shocking update from Wayne Bennett who said this week the 24-year-old was not expected to be back on the field this season and may not ever play again.
Flegler has been absent from the Dolphins forward pack since round five as he continues to undergo rehabilitation for nerve damage in his shoulder.
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The Queensland enforcer remains hopeful he will make a return to the competition, but Lockyer fears the lack of feeling Flegler had in his arm following the incident “is a bit of a concern.”
“I did see him the week after he did it and he literally couldn’t feel his arm,” Lockyer said on Wide World of Sport’s QLDER.
“It’s a bit of a concern. The nerve has obviously been damaged badly and they are obviously just waiting for the nerve to come back and reactivate the arm.
Tom Flegler runs during a Dolphins NRL training session. Getty
“It’s pretty scary for Tom. He was so good for the Broncos last year and he has a big career in front of him.
“I guess we all just have to keep our fingers crossed that he will get back. He was one hell of a player and he’s only at the start of his career.”
Queensland legend Wally Lewis agreed with Lockyer.
“This is something to be concerned [about] without a doubt. Hopefully he is going to be able to recover quite well but there is already talks that his career could be affected,” Lewis said.
“The only two people who would know are Tom and his surgeon.
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Tom Flegler and Felise Kaufusi sit on the sidelines after their injuries. Fox League
“An injury like that doesn’t just affect your footy career, it affects your whole life.
“There were physical confrontations every time he took to the field. He is a gutsy, willing, determined player who would not want it to affect his footy career but he’s also got to be very careful in making the long-term decision that it’s not going to affect the rest of his living days.
“He’s one of those blokes that if you knew you were playing alongside him in a team that would be giving his best physical performance every time. He just never gives up.”