Parramatta Eels star Bailey Simonsson is on the long road to recovery, battling back from a devastating ankle injury sustained on Easter Monday earlier this season. The dynamic outside back’s season was cut short in Round 5 when, during a contest for a high ball, he was tackled in the air by Wests Tigers winger Luke Laulilii. The awkward landing resulted in a dislocated and fractured ankle, a significant blow that has ruled him out for the remainder of the year.
Speaking candidly on the Season Ticket Holders Podcast, Simonsson opened up about the string of injuries that have plagued his career, reflecting on the Easter Monday incident that derailed his season. He also shed light on speculation that surfaced halfway through last season regarding his potential departure from the Eels.
A Challenging Pre-Season and a Devastating Injury
Despite starting the season in strong form for the Eels, Simonsson revealed that his preparation had been far from ideal. He admitted to having no pre-season at all, a stark contrast to what some might have assumed.
“I didn’t have a pre-season at all,” Simonsson explained. “I tore my hamstring off the bone two days before pre-season started, so I had a 14-week recovery. I didn’t have one pre-season training session; my first week of training was the week before the Sharks trial.”
The former Canberra Raiders and New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Sevens representative then detailed the full extent of his latest injury.
“I broke the fibula, fractured my ankle, dislocated my ankle, and ruptured my syndesmosis. I did the whole lot,” Simonsson revealed.
He provided an update on his rehabilitation progress:
- Current Status: It’s been approximately eight weeks since his surgery.
- Positive Outlook: Things are progressing well, with Simonsson back on his feet and attending club activities.
- Rehab Focus: He has commenced his rehabilitation program, which he finds motivating.
“Having something to aim for, which is exciting for me, was being told by the surgeons there’s a possibility I can play towards the back end of the year,” he shared. “I’m hoping to be on the field by Round 20 to Round 23.”
The initial diagnosis of the injury was grim, with Simonsson describing the pain as intense. The incident has also brought to light a new mental hurdle he must overcome – the fear associated with jumping for the ball, a routine action that was once second nature.
“I don’t want to say PTSD, but there’s definitely a sense of trying to overcome that mentally,” the Eels outside back admitted.
Finding Inspiration in Fatherhood and Overcoming Adversity
The birth of his daughter, Mila, has provided Simonsson with a powerful source of inspiration during this challenging period. His desire to return to the field is deeply intertwined with his role as a new father.
At 28 years old, Simonsson has experienced his fair share of injuries throughout his career. This latest setback has, however, fostered a newfound maturity and a deeper appreciation for resilience and perspective in the face of adversity.
Addressing Rumours of a Departure
During his recovery from a broken foot injury sustained against the Dolphins in Round 10 last season, reports surfaced suggesting Simonsson had requested a release from the Parramatta Eels. This occurred shortly after his return from a previous ACL injury, a period he described as personally challenging.
Simonsson took full responsibility for his actions and apologised to the club for how he handled the situation.
“There was definitely a thought I’ve played my last game for Parramatta,” Simonsson confessed. “It was pretty much my own doing. I went through an injury last year, I broke my foot, and (there were) different things that I didn’t handle well.”
He elaborated on his reconciliation with the club:
- Open Communication: Simonsson sat down with coach Jason Ryles and the club’s leadership.
- Apology and Recommitment: He apologised for his previous conduct and reiterated his desire to remain at Parramatta.
- Commitment to the Club: Simonsson felt he had more to offer the club and a strong desire to achieve further success.
“Fortunately for me, I was able to sit with Rylesy (Jason Ryles), the coaches and the club and apologise for how I handled things and that ultimately I wanted to stay at Parramatta,” he said. “I felt like I had given a lot to this club and that there was a lot more to give and a lot more I want to achieve, so it was about putting my hand up and saying ‘I’ve stuffed up’ and handling things the right way.”
Simonsson expressed his gratitude for the club’s support: “Rylesy was really good about it, we’ve got a great relationship, and I’m really happy I stayed. That’s why I was devastated when I got injured because I felt like I was playing good footy and giving back to the club, and it’s hard not being able to play and feel like you’re giving back. They’ve stood by me again through this injury, which is another reason I want to try to come back.”
Staying Involved and Looking Ahead
Despite his significant injury, Simonsson has remained an active presence around the Eels. He has been diligently working on his rehabilitation, staying engaged with the playing group, studying game footage, and mentoring the club’s emerging outside backs. He also continues to participate in gym sessions with the first-grade squad.
The Parramatta Eels are scheduled to face the Canterbury Bulldogs on June 8, during the long weekend. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory in what is anticipated to be a competitive clash.
