NRL concussions: Parramatta’s Keegan Hipgrave forced to retire from rugby league

Eels forward Keegan Hipgrave says the NRL is ‘doing a good job’ to help lessen the risk of concussion for players but he knew his time was up in the game, at just 24, after repeated head knocks.

It was the mood swings that most concerned Keegan Hipgrave and his family. One minute, he would be flying high. The next, he would be in tears.

On and on it went. As each week went by, the alarm bells rung louder.

“The first five weeks was a constant headache throughout the day,” he said.

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“Any training I did would just bring on a headache and I would be sleeping all afternoon. But it was more the mood swings. I would be on the biggest high and the biggest low.

“It was more my family were seeing it. Once I was made aware of it — it is so hard to explain. There should be nothing to be emotional about but you are.

Eels forward Keegan Hipgrave has been forced into early retirement. Picture: NRL Photos

“That was probably the one thing that was getting to me a little bit.”

Hipgrave had been down this path before. In 2019, he was forced to take an extended break from the game after suffering three concussions playing on the Gold Coast.

Then, in round 25 this year against Penrith, the Parramatta forward was knocked out again trying to tackle Tevita Pangai Junior. As he struggled to deal with the after-effects, he was pointed in the direction of neurologist doctor Chris Levi.

“We had a good chat,” Hipgrave said. “He said it is my honest opinion that you should retire given the history you have and the last couple of (concussions).

“I had a good chat to my family and fiancee. Parra were so good about it. Calling (coach) Brad (Arthur) was one of the hardest conversations I have had to have.

“They wanted to make sure I was alright. I watched it back a couple of times. It is tough to watch, just laying there. It is one of those weird ones — I have had concussions before, I know they are bound to happen.

Keegan Hipgrave had three concussions in 2019 alone. Picture: NRL Photos

“My mum and dad both love footy but they always get nervous, they are scared when there is a big hit or concussion like that. They were there.

“Mum went down to the field and yelled out to one of the trainers to make sure I was okay.”

Hipgrave is no dill. He already has a business degree in his back pocket and has begun studying for his MBA. If that wasn’t enough, he has now become the latest face of the game’s concussion battle after being forced into retirement at the age of 24.

There is no bitterness or regret in his voice. If anything, he feels fortunate to have spent his adult life being paid to play rugby league. It is all he has known and the next challenge will be to fill the void.

He plans to take his time and he has already spoken to former teammates Kane Elgey and Anthony Don about the transition.

He made his first grade debut with the Gold Coast in 2017 and in the four years since, rugby league has made huge strides when it comes to concussion.

Keegan Hipgrave spent four years at the Titan before joining the Eels in 2021. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Peled

At the same time, it remains one of the most complex issues for all the sporting codes amid class actions across the globe. Hipgrave is better placed than most to talk about the code’s handling of concussion given the circumstances that led to his premature retirement.

“I think the game is doing their best and taking some really good actions,” he said.

“You can’t prevent concussion — it is a full contact game. I do think the NRL have taken some good steps to helping out through head-high penalties this year and guys have a bit more rest than they did a few years back.

“What they are doing now, I think they are doing a good job.”

Hipgrave will miss much about the game but the alternative was to put his future in jeopardy. It was a risk he was not prepared to take.

“You only have one brain so I figured I should take care of the one I have got,” he said.

Concussion claims young Eel’s career

-Phil Rothfield, Brent Read

Parramatta forward Keegan Hipgrave has retired due to concerns over concussion. The Eels released a statement on Friday morning confirming Hipgrave and the club had sought extensive medical advice following a concussion late in the 2021 season.

The club said based off this advice, Hipgrave had made the difficult decision to retire. His decision is likely to have ramifications for the Eels as they attempt to keep their side intact.

Hipgrave made nine appearances for Parramatta after moving to Sydney from the Gold Coast Titans but a history of concussions appears to have caught up with him.

Keegan Hipgrave during training. Picture: Parramatta Eels

Parramatta Eels general manager of football Mark O’Neill said: “Keegan has been a wonderful addition to our club and a very popular member of the team.

“While it’s a shame his career has prematurely come to an end due to injury, the health and wellbeing of our players is always our first priority.

“We wish Keegan and his partner Izzy all the best of luck with their future.”

Hipgrave was on the verge of retiring at the start of last season after being forced to seek a medical clearance to allow him to return to play following a series of head injuries in 2019.

The hard-running back rower endured three concussions in the opening months of the 2019 season and spent more than six months on the sidelines.

He underwent numerous neurological tests – the NRL and independent doctors were heavily involved in assessing his health.