NRL 2021: Canterbury Bulldogs to appeal against $20,000 fine for not following concussion protocols
The Bulldogs are adamant there were mitigating circumstances which contributed to Lachlan Lewis’s delayed departure after a head knock, which led to a breach notice from the NRL.
NRL
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Canterbury are set to appeal the severity of a $20,000 fine for failing to immediately remove Lachlan Lewis from the field after he had suffered a heavy head knock.
The Bulldogs were handed a breach notice by the NRL on Thursday after Lewis stayed on the field for two minutes following a head knock he suffered during the club’s round four defeat to South Sydney.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo and ARLC chair Peter V’landys were informed by Bulldogs CEO Aaron Warburton of the club’s intention to respond with an appeal to the $20,000 breach during a routine catch-up at Belmore on Friday.
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Warburton said the club weren’t attempting to undermine the code’s hardline stance against the policing of concussion.
The newly-appointed CEO said he was acutely aware of the sensitivity surrounding the issue of concussion and admitted Lewis stayed out on the field longer than what he should have.
However, Warburton said the club wanted to show the NRL that there were mitigating circumstances and “human error” which contributed to his delayed departure from ANZ Stadium.
“We have to be better, no doubt,” Warburton said.
“I appreciate the concussion space is of the highest priority for everyone in the game and we applaud the game for the measures and policies that are in place.
“We will appeal the breach and I want to continue to assess that appeal before submitting our final response.‘’
Attempting to inspire his team in defence, Lewis rushed out to make a tackle that went wrong.
The Bulldogs physiotherapist rushed to his aid and Lewis then passed an on-field concussion test.
“We completely understand the game can’t come down lightly on this issue, but I would like to think, by accessing this breach on its merits, there was a reason why it wasn’t quicker than two minutes,” Warburton said.
The NRL have allowed the Bulldogs five working days to respond to the breach.
Meanwhile, Lewis continues to improve in his recovery.
He is about to sit out his second match, overlooked for Canterbury’s loss to Melbourne last week and again for Sunday’s clash with North Queensland.
In an interview with 2GB last week, Lewis said he applauded the NRL’s concussion protocols and return-to-play process.
“It was my first tackle (that it happened) and I think I was just trying too hard and I put that down to not playing the first few rounds and really wanting to help out the team,” Lewis said.
“That’s footy, I just need to learn where to put my head. You can’t put it in the wrong spot or that happens.
“It’s almost helpful as a footballer, that you’re getting told you can’t play.
“Any athlete or footy player knows that when you get a concussion and then all you have is a headache, you think, oh well, I’ve played with broken bones and a lot harder things than this.
“But it’s necessary (to rest) and I’m thankful that the game has these protocols.’’
WHY BARRETT WILL RIDE OUT HORROR START
By Dean Ritchie
Canterbury chairman John Khoury has made a secret pact with head coach Trent Barrett to deliver his struggling club a premiership — without taking any “selfish” short cuts.
And Khoury said his board was firmly behind Barrett, despite the club’s horror 0-5 start to the season.
“We’ve got the coach’s back,” Khoury said.
In a wide-ranging interview with News Corp, Khoury revealed:
— His players were using a sports psychologist to bring mental toughness.
— There was no easy fix or answer to the current dilemma.
— That the “pressure was on” without improved results.
— He told fellow directors not to focus purely on being re-elected.
— His club was refusing to panic and adopt a “short-term fix”.
— Canterbury will be highly active in the player market and his club has remained calm and united.
Victory on Sunday against North Queensland in Townsville will ease pressure at Belmore, defeat though will increase scrutiny.
Khoury stressed he and Barrett had a clear plan and vision to drag his underachieving club back to the penthouse of rugby league.
“Trent and I have a pact – and I’m happy for you to quote this – we are not going to take any short-term selfish fixes that will win us one or two more games,” Khoury said. “This is about how we get to the top four long-term and stay there.
“We want to get to the top, we want to win a grand final but we won’t take shortcuts to take a bit of pressure off us. This is about the right, long-term decisions.
“With the board, I’ve told them not to worry about being re-elected. ‘If you really love the club, I will lead by example’. This is about what is in the best interests of the club. If we don’t get improvements in results, you’re right, the pressure is on. All of us.
“To be fair, Trent has only been here since November 1 and he deserves a chance. We (the board) do as well. I’ve only been in charge since late October.
“The results are there to be seen – I’m not going to try and sugar-coat it. Defensively, it’s been very disappointing and unacceptable.
“The key now is club stability and unity because if we panic and look for short-term fixes, that will set us back. And that’s what has happened in the past.”
Khoury said Canterbury’s front office was well positioned financially but on-field results had to improve – and quickly.
He wasn’t offering excuses but did say: “We’ve got sports psychologists, (skipper) Josh Jackson, everyone is talking to the players. We’re leaving no stone unturned in terms of mental toughness and the physicality.
“We agree, we’re disappointed, we’re through it, mate. There’s no easy fix or easy answer. The buck will stop with the players. There are players playing for contracts. Only a week ago, we only had 20 players to pick from because of injuries and suspensions. We know where the squad is at.
“Me and Trent aren’t at the stage where we have said who is staying and who is going but we are watching things very, very closely, but all those players know they are coming up for contract. That’s the big, bad world of NRL.
“Boards come and go, coaches come and go, so do players, you have to get the results, you’ve to progress.”
Canterbury has lost all five games this season by an average of 28 points.
The Bulldogs’ usually vocal fans have so far remained silent – but another loss could trigger supporter outrage.
“Some of the blokes, we want them playing better but they are still young and ‘Baz’ will make them good players as they grow,” Khoury said. “More importantly, we’ve got (Matt) Burton and (Josh) Addo-Carr coming next year and we are definitely active in the player market for this coming season, 2022.
“We turned the corner in attack (last week) – we were the first team to put 18 points on Melbourne this year. Defensively, that’s where our big concern is and I know that is a big focus for Trent Barrett and the coaching staff.
“We are helping keep things quiet and calm and being transparent with members. I am working the phones, as are other directors, talking to sponsors and key member groups and everyone can see the harmony and that there is a plan.
“If you’re looking in from the outside, and I’m not trying to say we’re the best, but in terms of the clubs that are struggling, there is no bad noise coming out of the club because there is this sense that finally there is calm, there’s a plan and they’re united.
“I look at the camaraderie and culture in the club at the moment – and it started really with the boardroom – and everyone is really busy and clear on how we are helping.”
And Canterbury’s board has overseen another increase in finances for 2021.
“For the first time in four years, our sponsorships are up, we sold all our (playing) kit two weeks before round one, which includes people sponsoring a player. And there is a waiting list on that,” Khoury said. “Our shorts, jersey, sternum, everything, all sold out. The business is very healthy.
“Separate to that, if you look at our SG Ball, there are probably seven players that are going to get picked for Australia or NSW. Five of those kids have already been earmarked as future first graders. Trent is totally checked into the long-term plan for the club.”
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