Tim Glasby's playing future is under a serious cloud with the veteran Knights forward staring down the possibility of being forced to medically retire following a spate of concussions that have left him struggling to get back on the field.
In just seven games this season, Glasby has been forced off the field four times after suffering heads knocks with his latest concussion coming 21 minutes into the clash against North Queensland in Townsville three weeks ago.
The former Queensland Origin forward has not played since failing his HIA in that game, missing matches against Manly, Parramatta and tomorrow's clash with South Sydney. A couple of his concussions appeared to have come from fairly innocuous contact in tackles.
Officially, he is out indefinitely and is currently under the care of Professor Chris Levi at the Sports Concussion Clinic at John Hunter Hospital.
Knights coach Adam O'Brien refused to speculate on Glasby's future when we brought it up with him this week, declaring he is no medical expert.
"I'll ultimately be guided by Tim and Chris on this one," he said.
But in a extremely worrying sign, O'Brien admitted the 31-year-old is still symptomatic, three weeks after his last concussion.
"It's not something you muck around with," he said. "Tim's a husband and father first and foremost and his health comes first. Playing footy is secondary to that."
Glasby, who has played 138 NRL games, 110 for Melbourne and 28 for the Knights, over eight seasons, still has a year to go run his current contract.
There is the strong likelihood he would be medically retired if his condition forces him to give the game away.
