St George Illawarra Dragons star Moses Suli doesn’t want kick-off banned

“I tried to brace myself because I know Jared is a big fella and runs really hard,” he said.

“I went up to him after the game, I told him I was sweet and that he did nothing wrong. My head was just in the wrong spot. It was unlucky.

“It’s a contact sport, it’s probably the hardest game in the world. It could’ve happened to anyone. What can you do?

“I came out second best. That’s footy, it’s tough. I’ve just got to cop it on the chin. It is what it is.”

The NRL presently has no plans to eradicate the kick-off, although the issue will be one of the many areas that head office scrutinises as part of their end-of-season review.

Suli said he is feeling no ill effects from his concussion.

“I’m all good now,” he said. “Just the first couple of days, I was a bit rattled, but I’m all sweet now.

“Straight afterwards I didn’t remember much. As the days went by, I slowly started to remember a few things. If I could play I would play, but it is what it is.”

Suli has been one of the Dragons’ most consistent players this season, averaging 130 running metres per match. Speaking before Sunday’s match, the Tongan international – who will return for Saturday’s clash with South Sydney – said he feels the Red V are on the rise under coach Shane Flanagan.

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“I’m enjoying my footy again and can’t wait to get back out there,” he said.

“I think we’re going pretty well at the start of the season, especially after the previous years I’ve been here.

“There’s still plenty of room for improvement. Flanno has got all the boys and we’re trying to make a statement in this competition. Everyone is writing us off but we’ll stay as the underdogs and hopefully it pays off.”

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