Rugby league concussion tackled by Brisbane junior clubs

A portable solution for monitoring head knocks is proving a game changer for approaching concussion in junior rugby league clubs.

Cutting-edge technology being used at rugby league clubs across Brisbane providing real-time data on a player’s brain health after a head knock is being heralded as a game-changer for grassroots clubs.

The portable laptop device – EyeGuide – gives an instant reading of a player’s eye ­motion function immediately after a concussion, but can also be used to keep a record of player’s brain health throughout the span of their rugby league career.

Brisbane Rugby League ­director Michael Rose said the new technology, introduced this year to his nine clubs, was one way clubs could help look after a players’ welfare.

“We want to attract new players, males and females, whose parents were perhaps apprehensive, but they now have surety that they can have a documented history of their child’s brain health throughout their career in rugby league,” he said.

Clubs were finding the EyeGuide’s ability to track a player’s recover after a concussion to ensure they could safely return to the field particularly useful, Mr Rose said.

Rebecca Brown using the EyeGuide machine with her son Chase Brown, 15. Picture: Peter Wallis

The NRL has this season begun cracking down on high tackles, with those responsible placed on report, sin-binned for 10 minutes or even sent off depending on the severity of the incident.

Australian Rugby League Commission chair Andrew V’landys warning the code’s very existence is at risk if player safety cannot be guaranteed.

Mr Rose said: “We ran the pilot program last year with two clubs and the women’s State of Origin side, so we didn’t jump into it straight away, but we could see as a board that on the ­horizon concussion and brain health is on the rise as a concern and we thought we’d be at the forefront of that.”

Carina Junior Rugby League first aid co-ordinator senior head trainer Rebecca Brown said her club was doing a baseline assessment on all players, from junior players right up to A Grade players to keep a track of their brain health.

Ms Brown said the ability to have a clear picture of exactly what was going on with players was invaluable.

“We’ve had great feedback from parents where they have something visible they can see that shows they are improving following a concussion,” she said.

“I have two boys who play as well – it is a weight off my mind. It’s really just about player welfare, that’s what the bottom line is.”

Carina Junior Rugby League Club’s Chase Brown (left), 14, with Carter, 8, and Deymon Sauvao, 11. Picture: Peter Wallis

Originally published as Rugby league concussion tackled by Brisbane junior clubs