Chris Garry looks at whether Todd Lowrie should be playing for Broncos

THE NRL’s new rules on concussion cases are already causing confusion among clubs and fans and the Todd Lowrie incident is a cse in point, writes CHRIS GARRY.

BRISBANE Broncos forward Todd Lowrie will play in tonight’s blockbuster against the North Queensland Cowboys after passing cognitive tests but the question remains, should he?

There is a groundswell of support for NRL-appointed doctors to intervene and stop clubs playing footballers who were concussed in their previous game.

Tonight’s clash will see 42,000 people at Suncorp Stadium in what promises to be a brilliant game of rugby league.

But should Lowrie be allowed to play, considering the violent nature of his concussion last week?

Lowrie was knocked out by a Frank Pritchard shoulder last weekend, but is understood would have been cleared to return to the field if not for the NRL’s new concussion rules.

News_Module: Tiger's last look

It is understood Lowrie was functioning perfectly well after half time but because he spent more than 15 minutes off the field due to concussion he was not allowed to return.

The lack of concussion symptoms he showed on the night is why the Broncos were always confident he would pass memory tests this week and be fit for tonight.

However, there is a ground swell of opinion among current and former players that NRL-appointed doctors should make the final determination.

An NRL spokesman said they were confident in the current system as club doctors saw their players every day and had knowledge of their medical history.

There is also growing support for mandatory bans for players who are concussed, similar to the rules of boxing.

There were five players knocked out in round one, Bulldogs winger Mitch Brown, Newcastle pair Kurt Gidley and Tyrone Roberts in addition to Wests Tigers back-rower Liam Fulton were among those forced out of action after head knocks and Merrin is all in favour of the changes.

The more we learn about the frightening long-term effects of concussion, the more obvious it is that the law must be even stricter than they are now.

Should NRL-appointed doctors interfere with team selections?

News_Image_File: Brisbane's Josh Hoffman in action.

THIS could be Josh Hoffman’s last chance to secure the No.6 jersey.

The fullback/winger come five-eighth is generally thought of as a stop-gap measure as a playmaker until classy utility Jordan Kahu returns from another injury in the next three to four weeks.

However, following an underwhelming performance against the Bulldogs which heaped great pressure on halfback Ben Hunt, time is ticking no position switch.

Hoffman is an excellent fullback who has a right to feel harshly treated considering he has won best back at the club twice during the past four seasons.

Kodi Nikorima is nipping at Hoffman’s heels for the five-eighth position and if the 26-year-old’s performance does not improve tonight he could be moved back to the wing.

Does Hoffman deserve more patience?

Late Mail for Friday games

Broncos v Cowboys: Bronco forward Lowrie has been cleared of concussion, meaning Brisbane will be 1-17 at Suncorp Stadium tonight. The Cowboys will also play as named.

Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs: The Sea Eagles have suffered a major blow on game day, with Test back-rower Glenn Stewart breaking down. Winger David Williams (knee) and veteran prop Jason King (shoulder) have been cleared. The Rabbitohs will be without backrow star Chris McQueen who has a minor ankle injury.

Supercoach must buy – Dale Copley

Price: $102,500

Position(s): Centre/wing

Copley bulked up during his year on the sidelines and his size is producing dividends already. He scored a brilliant 89 Super Coach points on the weekend and currently has the best break even score in the competition (-114).

Supercoach must dump - Paul Gallen

Get rid of him now. He is out for six weeks with a knee injury and will be unavailable through most of the State of Origin period anyway. Your $388,300 can be spent better elsewhere.

Exotic bet of the week?

Canberra Raiders to defeat Newcastle Knights by 19 points or more is paying $11.00. The Knights are riddled with injuries to key players while the Raiders played well in a loss to North Queensland.

First try scoring tips tonight:

Broncos - Jack Reed ($13 on TattsBet). Cowboys - Jason Taumalolo ($21 on TattsBet).