Newcastle Knights coach Nathan Brown calls on NRL to allow extra bench players for concussions

NATHAN Brown has renewed the push for the NRL to allow an extended game-day bench, and independent doctors, to combat concussion injuries.

NATHAN Brown has renewed the push for the NRL to allow an 18th and 19th man on an extended game-day bench, and independent doctors, to combat concussion injuries.

And the Knights coach has backed changes to be fast-tracked this year. Of key importance, it would allow clubs to cover crucial positions like halves, fullbacks and outside backs, that are not normally carried on most four-man benches.

On the eve of the 2017 season kick-off, Brown’s club Newcastle is locked in a legal battle with former State of Origin representative James McManus. The winger launched legal action against the Knights for their handling of concussions that led to his retirement.

The Knights have stated they have not acted immorally or illegally. But long before this was even an issue, almost a year ago, Brown called for extra players to guard against the growing concussion issue.

Even as far back as two years ago other coaches were supporting the move.

Knights coach Nathan Brown wants the NRL to allow an 18th and 19th man on an extended game-day bench. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler argued in April 2015 it was needed for injuries suffered mid-game.

That was after the NRL had strengthened concussion guidelines, but not before the interchange was reduced to eight.

The Daily Telegraph understands the issue has been discussed on several occasions at NRL Competition Committee meetings.

One of the chief concerns is said to be clubs potentially manipulating the system to get away with using extra interchange players.

Brown said not introducing an extended bench would continue to disadvantage the innocent.

And amid the growing concern of legal issues arising from concussion injuries, Brown said it was now a case of when, not if, changes were forced.

“It takes a lot of pressure of all sorts of people, medical staff, players, coaches,” Brown said.

“It is better for the fans. I thought it would be a good thing for all people involved.

“It might not happen in the short term but I reckon eventually, where these laws are going and just how they are ruling on concussion these days, eventually they will get to a stage where we have bigger squads.”

Newcastle is locked in a legal battle with former State of Origin representative James McManus.

Brown said he would support the move for this season.

“That is me personally, I would want to see it happen. We all warm up with 18. Then he doesn’t take part in the game,” he said.

“I suppose the way the games are judged now in the concussion areas for all the right reasons, it just seems a bit of common sense to me.”

Brown first spoke publicly about the need for an extended bench last April after Newcastle were left with just one interchange player during a demoralising loss to Brisbane, where they lost three players to concussion.

“I just look at it from the point of view more often than not when a bloke gets concussion it is due to, not deliberate, but accidental or illegal play,” Brown said.

“Then the player leaves the field and that side is at a disadvantage. The next week the bloke that has committed the illegal act, he gets suspended for a week, but that doesn’t help the side where the foul was committed.”

Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has previously argued for an extended game-day bench.

He also believes independent doctors are needed for consistency on concussion rulings.

“As a game we have gone down the path for the right reasons,” he said.

“In my opinion I don’t think we have put right things in place to help the company. Different people have a different view on it.

“I know our doctor here, Pete McGeoch, he is the most conservative doctor I have ever worked with.

“We get a bloke who gets the slightest bump and he wouldn’t want to put him back on the field.

“Where I have seen other players who have had far worse knocks who have been put back on the field.

“I thought independent doctors and an extra man who make for a fairer outcome in my opinion.”