Concussions

Is the NRL doing enough to protect players?

Yes, it is a contact sport and there are HIA protocols which are being revised constantly. 

But the bottom line is you still get situations where players commit foul play with a level of intent and get off lightly.

Kaufusi got just two weeks for his elbow on Matterson, who seems to be having serious issues as a result. He has been out for four weeks as it is, and it also places him in real jeopardy if he is concussed again in the future.

There needs to be real deterrents, two weeks is just too light where there is intent. 

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Replies

  • If concussion is a result of foul play then I believe the penaltys for that foul play should be much tougher.

  • Apart from Matterson and a couple of others, it seems like a lot more concussions are happening with players getting their heads in the wrong position. I put this down to tiredness which effects technique. Tiredness comes from the game this year been played faster than it ever has.

    • It's not tiredness , they have forgotten how to tackle , they do more training for wrestling techniques then good old fashion tackles

      the NRL should mandate , set amount of hours that the clubs have to set aside each week for correct tackling techniques 

      • Yeah maybe. But it seems like they all forgot to tackle all of a sudden this year. Just my theory, but I  do believe it's a fatigue issue. When players are tired, they slow down, brain tells them to so something but the body doesn't react as it should. 

  • In regards to foul play it's simple- the player that uses foul play receives the same amount of time that the injured player gets on the sideline. It's an absolute injustice that Kaufusi is still playing whilst Matterson cannot. 

    • It doesn't work like that, what happens if Matterson has to medically retire due to ongoing concussion issues does that mean Kaufusi has to retire as well? They just need to whack them with minimum 1 month ban, every time same player does foul play suspension length goes up 2 weeks and consider without pay suspensions and the money they would of earnt in that period goes to grass roots or charity of NRL's choice.

      • Yes of course the exception would be invoked if the player has to medical retire but there is a case that Kaufusi should be serving the similar amount of time off field as Matto is.

        I certainly support you suggestion too.

      • One month?... My goodness this game is just soft now. 

        • I am referring to incidents of foul play that are deemed international, you still have a grading system so careless or lazy are not as heavily penalised but when some intentionallly drops an elbow onto a helpless person causing their head to bounce off the ground in my eyes should of been a 8 week suspension and that isn't soft, the NRL has a duty of care for their players and "being soft" is what is required in some circumstances!

          • No it's getting ridiculous. Every takle is now over analyzed because some people keep asking for tougher sanctions. We are seeing more people than ever on the sidelines because of over the top suspensions.

            Why do all the skirts who want their safe space get their way all the time. Rugby league is now straight up soft. 

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