Cronulla captain not surprised by player survey showing some under-report concussion

Alarming results of a survey of NRL and NRLW players when it comes to concussion didn’t surprise one club captain despite a wealth of player education.

Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes says the need to put “food on the table” could sway players to train despite suffering suspected concussion and isn’t surprised by the alarming results of a player survey.

The “Players Pulse” survey, conducted by the Rugby League Players Association, found more than a third of NRL players and almost half of NRLW players are under-reporting symptoms and continuing to train despite increased club vigilance and education.

Sharks warhorse McInnes, who has just re-signed for another two years, said it was hard for rugby league players to shake the “gladiator” nature of the sport and with so much at stake, the lengthy breaks they could be forced into should they be concussed become a factor for many.

Under NRL protocols, players are stood down for 11 days following a diagnosed concussion and then follow gradual return to training and playing rules.

“There’s a balance, isn’t there?” he said on Tuesday.

“We still believe that gladiator aspect of our sport is something that we can never lose because that’s what makes the sport great and that’s what people want to watch and see.

“Then at the same time, it’s having the smarts to understand that if you are feeling certain symptoms, you’ve got to put your hand up and say it.

Cronulla captain Cameron McInnes says the concussion debate ‘isn’t easy’. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“It’s not always easy. You’ve got young kids, you’ve got people fighting for the contracts, for the squads.

“And whilst you want everyone to be honest, I can also understand that when you’ve got food to put on the table, there are hard decisions people have to make.”

Among other concerning revelations from the survey of almost 700 men’s and women’s players was that 28 per cent of men and 40 per cent of women reported they returned to training before receiving a medical clearance.

It’s created what the RLPA believes is a black spot, with training less scrutinised than games where independent, off-field doctors can order players suspected of suffering concussion from the field.

To combat the numbers, the RLPA is advocating for training changes and more protective measures, including technology to monitor impact

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— Cronulla Sharks (@cronullasharks) December 16, 2024

McInnes, who said he had never felt pressure or the urge to keep training after suffering a head knock, said it was important all players took note of the monstrous amounts of education they received about concussion to safeguard their own future.

“Sometimes, after the fact, you might reflect on things, go maybe that wasn’t the right thing to do,” McInnes said.

“The game’s working really hard and it’s up to us players to work with them.

“We want to play and it’s not easy, but you just need to try and make the right decision.

“We’ve all got a future.”

Originally published as Cronulla captain not surprised by player survey showing some under-report concussion