NRL doctors now ‘untouchable’ over concussion warnings

Matthew Johns knows how a player’s desire to prove himself can overcome even his own safety. Which is why he believes NRL players and coaches can no longer argue with club medical staff about head injuries.

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Matthew Johns says the discovery of degenerative brain disease in two rugby league players is proof that NRL doctors must now become the code's new “Untouchables”.

As revealed by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, researchers have uncovered the first evidence of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in the brains of two footballers who each played in excess of 150 top grade games.

Newcastle club doctor Jenny Coleman checks a replay for possible concussion. Image: Gregg Porteous

While Johns described the revelations as a positive for the code — "because it supports all the changes being made" — he also warned that club medicos must now be gifted greater power than even NRL head coaches.

"This report confirms that the medical team needs to be untouchable," Johns said. "Doesn't matter if it's State of Origin, an NRL grand final, whatever; what the medical team says has to be followed to the letter.

"It just has to happen.

"And I know, in so many ways, the importance of winning, the importance of performance, it can often overshadow this issue.

"Not just in regards to the club and coaches either, but the players themselves.

"I remember when I was a young player, after being knocked unconscious, I was hanging to get back out there.

"Not only wanted to get back out there, but insisted on it.

"To know that your teammates could turn around and see you back on that field, it was a badge of honour. Earned you real respect.

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"And more than even two points competition, you wanted that respect from your teammates.

"But the game has gone through some significant changes in recent years — it's never been safer than it is now — and this report confirms we're not only headed in the right direction, but that the issue cannot be taken lightly."

There can be no more arguing for personal choice over safety. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

The issue of CTE and football dates back to the early 2000s, with Dr Bennett Omalu studying the brain of Pittsburgh Steelers centre Mike Webster, who died aged 50 following a raft of unexplained behaviour.
In 2005, Omalu published a paper entitled: Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in a National Football League Player.

Now 14 years on, rugby league has its own first case.