South Sydney will take no chances with Kyle Turner's health even though the back-rower has implored coach Michael Maguire to let him play following another concussion.
Turner was knocked out against Penrith on Sunday when he made his return to the NRL from neck surgery and despite this, he's been named on the bench for Friday's clash with Manly.
Maguire said they were carefully assessing the 23-year-old and he was no certainty to take on the Sea Eagles, mindful that he has a long history of head knocks.
Former Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon, who was left a quadriplegic after suffering a devastating neck injury in a tackle, has urged Turner to consider retirement.
Brisbane and Queensland great Gorden Tallis, whose career was ended because of a neck injury, believes Turner should hang up the boots.
Maguire defended the club's handling of Turner, saying he was receiving the best medical advice with a decision on his fitness to be made on Thursday.
"I think there a lot of opinions around this circumstance but we've got some great people in the background, neurosurgeons, he's been through many tests, the NRL themselves have asked us to do a number of things in the background prior to him playing," Maguire said.
"He's been ticked off. With the neck issue, it's stronger now than it's ever been. You've got to remember they're two different issues around this circumstance.
"Kyle's shown he's able to tick all the boxes and if he's right we'll allow him to play."
Turner had two outings with the Rabbitohs' reserve grade side in the lead-up to the Panthers game.
Maguire said that after Sunday's match Turner had urged him to let him play next week but they were being cautious.
"I talked to his parents and his family and we're well aware of the situation but he just wants to play footy," Maguire said.
"After the game he came straight up to me and goes `I'm ready to go next week Madge'. So that's a good state of mind."
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