Dr Thompson shares valuable insights into how NRL competition survived

Working at 11 National Rugby League games, Ipswich doctor Brendan Thompson saw the remarkable commitment that allowed the competition to defy the odds.

After working at 11 National Rugby League games in recent weeks, Ipswich doctor Brendan Thompson enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator during Sunday night’s grand final.

However, before watching Penrith hold out Souths 14-12 in an emotion-charged season finale, Dr Thompson assisted in the two Intrust Super Cup preliminary finals.

He played an important role in the double-header, monitoring the Wynnum Manly, Tweed, Norths and Burleigh players battling for a spot in the ISC grand final.

“It’s always humbling to go back to the Intrust Super Cup and the quality players that are NRL talent floating around,’’ the Ipswich Jets doctor said.

“I think those boys really enjoyed playing at Suncorp Stadium as the crowds were trickling in.’’

He had a few concussion tests to conduct among his regular duties.

“It was not as busy as it often is at the North Ipswich Reserve but given the fact that it was a final and the spectacle at Suncorp, we had the luxury of two doctors,’’ he said.

“Myself and the Broncos assistant doctor were doing the Intrust Super Cup games. Normally it is just one doctor per game and often it never rains but it pours.’’

Ipswich doctor Brendan Thompson stands on the hallowed Suncorp Stadium turf working on NRL grand final day.

Dr Thompson was in his second season with the Jets when he got an NRL call-up to help the teams playing in Brisbane during the lockdown weekend.

After performing a “floating role’’ during a Sunday tripleheader, Dr Thompson continued to help the NRL up to round 25 in Brisbane and at the Gold Coast.

He was back on NRL grand final day to help the state league teams.

Dr Thompson appreciated the opportunity to expand his medical knowledge, specifically in rugby league.

“It was running with adversity and just problem solving on the spot,’’ he said.

Dr Thompson praised the NRL for how they handled the incredibly difficult period.

“The competition, I don’t know how they managed to survive but they did,’’ he said.

“Being new to it all, the players have been welcoming. All the NRL officials have been welcoming.

“Everyone has really come together to try and keep this competition afloat.

“I take my hat off to the top dogs in the NRL for making it happen.’’

Dr Thompson shared another honest observation.

“What I learnt is that these guys - the players, the coaches, the staff, the referees - are all just normal people,’’ he said.

“Everyone is doing it tough with Covid and the NRL players are no exception.’’

Dr Thompson said despite a public perception the players were receiving preferential treatment, “it was definitely tough on them as well being away from family for a long time and living in their little bubble’’.

With aspirations to pursue his medical role in sport, Dr Thompson enjoyed being fast-tracked into the NRL environment.

He had to work under strict protocols as multiple teams were locked down in Queensland.

During that period, he saw first hand how proficient the measures were to keep rugby league played in a safe environment.

“To alleviate some of the public’s concern about the competition going forth, I wouldn’t be surprised if Suncorp Stadium and Cbus Super Stadium are probably two of the most clean environments in the Southern Hemisphere,’’ he said.

“The stringent protocols and everything.

“The stadiums have got special clean zones for the players and officials.

“The players are bussed to the venue, probably a bit later than they normally would be for a standard game.’’

Ipswich Jets doctor Brendan Thompson enjoyed helping out the NRL during a difficult period this season.

As Covid pressures eased, Ipswich born and bred Dr Thompson continued to help out.

“What I’ve learnt is that you’ve just got to be patient, be calm and things can change at the drop of a hat,’’ he said. “You’ve got to be flexible.’’

While he continues his current Jets doctor role, he is keen to see what rugby league and other opportunities arise.

“This NRL experience has opened up some potentials for next year and beyond,’’ he said.

“At this stage, return to the Jets. I had a great NRL experience and certainly learnt a lot in a short amount of time.’’

Dr Thompson said working with the NRL broadened his sporting knowledge.

“The rugby league experience can translate into all sorts of different sports - lower limb injuries, upper limb injuries and not to mention the injuries with contact sport and concussion being a major thing, especially in the football codes in the last number of years,’’ he said.

“It’s certainly a big part of what I do in concussion management, especially on game day.’’

Ipswich Jets doctor Brendan Thompson with Queensland rugby league legend Darren Lockyer on NRL grand final day at Suncorp Stadium.

He has been a doctor for 10 years, doing specialist trauma training with the Queensland Rugby League.

Dr Thompson is also working on a Graduate Certificate in Sports Medicine through the University of Queensland.

“I’m just happy I can help out and hopefully it might lead to something more permanent down the track,’’ he said.

Penrith Panthers players celebrate with the NRL Premiership Trophy after victory over Souths at Suncorp Stadium. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

As for getting to enjoy an NRL grand final without attending to medical issues, Dr Thompson appreciated the opportunity after a testing but rewarding season.

“It all culminated last night in the spectacle in Brisbane and it was a shame it couldn’t be 100 per cent capacity but still it was a great atmosphere,’’ he said.

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