NRL concussion: New technology will give trainers direct line to doctors

The disturbing scenes of clearly-concussed players remaining on the field could be about to change with new NRL technology this season.

NRL Magic Round launch at Suncorp Stadium — Wayde Egan (Warriors), Ryan James (Broncos) and Mo Fotuaika (Titans). Picture: David Clark

Players suffering from concussion are less likely to continue playing-on under new technology set to be adopted by the NRL.

In a further safeguard to protect players from the increasing issue of concussion, club trainers will be wired for the first time this season with a direct line of communication to club doctors on the sideline.

The orange shirt trainer — recognised as a Level 2 sports trainer, with the role of being the first responder in a match — will be able to talk to the team doctor about any on-field medical issue without having to run off the field, discuss the problem and then run back onto the field to remove the player from the game.

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In disturbing circumstances in the past, clearly concussed players have been able to play-on, by either making a tackle or hit-up, in the time that the orange shirt is discussing the injury concern with the club doctor on the sideline.

James Fisher-Harris of the Panthers leaves the field with a possible concussion.

Jake Friend receives a HIA last season.

The technology will speed-up the time that players are assessed and in some cases, eliminate the need for a player to be taken from the field for an assessment, only to be cleared by the doctor and able to return to the action.

The two-way communication will also eliminate the need for trainers to use hand signals towards the sideline, while also providing a more efficient communication line to order a medi-cab be brought onto the field.

In consultation with NRL medical advisory panel chair David Heslop, the introduction of the technology is the first significant concussion-related measure implemented from the NRL’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sharron Flahive.

Highly-regarded within the sports industry, Dr Flahive has previously worked as the team doctor of the Wallabies and club doctor of the Sydney Swans.

Keegan Hipgrave receives treatment for a head knock.

NRL BOSS DEFENDS MAGIC ROUND HIGH-SHOT CRACK DOWN

Chris Honnery and Peter Badel

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is adamant it was not a mistake to crack down on high shots during last year’s Magic Round as this year’s three-day “festival of footy” was launched in Brisbane this week.

The call comes after seven players were sin binned during the first round of the NRL’s trial matches last weekend – with at least four facing suspension for careless high tackle or dangerous contact charges.

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Melbourne’s Jonah Pezet, Cronulla’s Braydon Trindall and St George Illawarra’s Tautau Moga were sin-binned for high tackles while South Sydney’s Tallis Duncan and Dragons second rower Tyrell Fuimaono were slapped with dangerous contact charges.

Tyson Gamble landed in the sin bin during Magic Round.

Fuimaono faces a lengthy stint on the sideline for his shot on Haze Dunster, with the match review committee slapping him with a grade three dangerous contact charge which could sideline the 25-year-old for up to seven matches.

The NRL came down hard on high tackles during last year’s Magic Round with a record-equalling 14 players sin-binned and three sent off in the one weekend.

During Monday’s Magic Round launch in Brisbane, Abdo admitted the crackdown had cleaned up the game in the latter stages of the season.

“I don’t think it’s ever a mistake to protect player welfare,” Abdo said.

“The rule has always been clear but obviously we’ve seen a change in the way that rule has been applied in just how strict it is.

NRL boss Andrew Abdo says the crack down on headhigh hits has been good for the game. Picture: Liam Kidston

“What we saw in the second half of last season, the players, the coaches and the teams all adapted and we got to a much better outcome.

“The game is still incredibly entertaining but it’s a little bit safer and I think that’s very important.”

Abdo was in Brisbane on Monday to launch this year’s Magic Round which will be held from May 13 to May 15 at Suncorp Stadium.

“Last year we had 130,000 people travel through but obviously there were restrictions on who could go,” he said.

Souths’ Tallis Duncan will face a dangerous contact charge. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Hopefully with everything remaining completely open, we hope to beat that record and get as many fans as possible to see what is a unique part of our season.”

Queensland great Mal Meninga said he was pumped for the upcoming Magic Round.

“It’s always a great round of footy,” Meninga said.

“We have all 16 teams and the stadium is full.

“There’s everything that goes around the peripheral as well. It’s a great weekend for rugby league.”

New Covid rules to take Magic Round to new heights

The NRL is hoping the opening of borders across the country will take Magic Round blockbuster to new heights over three days at Suncorp Stadium in May.

The “festival of footy” will descend on Brisbane from May 13-15 for 640 minutes of action across eight games.

More than 130,000 fans flocked to Suncorp for the three-day event in a Covid-affected 2021 season and the NRL is expecting even more this year.

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“Magic Round has grown to become one of the unmissable events we have in this game,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“It is a real highlight of our rugby league season, particularly for Queensland. It’s an opportunity for all of our clubs and players, and fans from across the country, to experience something very unique and quite extraordinary.

NRL Magic Round launch at Suncorp Stadium — Wayde Egan (Warriors), Ryan James (Broncos) and Mo Fotuaika (Titans). Picture: David Clark

“Magic Round has grown substantially over 2019 and 2021. Last year over 130,000 fans attended and with borders open across the country we are looking to grow that figure this year.

“The opportunity to see so many superstars at the one ground, simply doesn’t exist anywhere else.

“It will be a three days with the real emotions of the Premiership, the unreal skills of 272 of our finest, combined with the real colour of a footy festival.”

Magic Round tickets will be released to the public on Monday with prices starting from $99.

Broncos forward Ryan James has urged rugby league fans to get behind this year’s event.

“It’s a great thing for rugby league to have every team here in Brisbane,” James said.

“It’s great to watch. It’s great for the fans. And the boys love coming here for it. It’s a great time of year to do it as well.”

Originally published as NRL concussion: New technology will give trainers direct line to doctors