Former Cronulla star Reece Williams has launched legal action against club’s medical staff over treatment of his head injuries
NINE years after retiring from the NRL, former Cronulla Sharks star Reece Williams has launched legal action against the club’s medical staff over the treatment of his head injuries.
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NINE years after retiring from the NRL, former Cronulla Sharks star Reece Williams has launched legal action against the club’s medical staff over the treatment of his head injuries.
It’s a case that could have far-reaching effects on sports doctors making medical assessments if there is a risk of athletes going down a legal path. Williams is taking action against the medical staff, not the club or the NRL.
Legal papers have been served on the Sharks’ highly-respected former doctor Dave Givney, who declined to comment when approached by The Sunday Telegraph.
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Williams played 98 games for the Sharks before being forced into early retirement at 25.
“I’m shattered to have made this decision,” he said at the time. “But I had no other choice under the doctor’s advice. The last few months have been very hard to take.”
Williams now works for the NRL as a strength and conditioning coach for the referees.
He would not comment when contacted and refused to say if he was still suffering from the effects of old head injuries.
In 2009, Williams was admitted to St Vincent’s Private Hospital where doctors found a blood clot on his brain.
Dr Givney was quoted at the time saying: “I’ve never seen a concussion like this one. Playing footy again is the least of his worries right now.”
However, The Sunday Telegraph understands Williams will claim he was once told to take Panadol when he complained of headaches before the game.
It’s understood to have been prior to a NSW Cup game when Dr Givney was not present.