NRL to bring in a mandatory stand-down period for players who suffer concussion

As Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga faces an indefinite period on the sidelines after a fourth concussion, the NRL has decided to act.

Kalyn Ponga has suffered repeated head knocks. Picture: NRL Photos

NRL players who suffer a concussion could miss up to two matches as the league moves to impose a minimum 11-day stand-down period in line with other major sports.

A day after the AFL was hit with a landmark class action representing up to 60 former players who have suffered serious issues as a result of repeat concussions, the ARL Commission agreed to a new policy for rugby league.

The rule is set to be implemented from round 3 and follows a significant period of research into the need to strengthen concussion protocols by mandating a stand-down period for players who suffer serious head knocks.

As a result, players who suffer a category 1 concussion will automatically be stood down a minimum of 11 days, meaning they could miss two matches.

Players deemed to have suffered a category 2 concussion could be cleared to play without missing a game provided they meet with an NRL-approved neurologist.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys said there was “no greater priority for us than player safety. It’s front and centre of everything we do.”

“Our current head injury protocols are exceptionally strong,” he said.

“Following a review of the data and the expert advice we have received, the Commission have enhanced these protocols even further by providing a mandatory 11 day stand down period following a diagnosed concussion.”

In exceptional circumstances, clubs will have the ability to apply for exemption to the 11-day stand-down period, through a review by an independent neurological expert appointed by the NRL.

Kalyn Ponga is taken off for a HIA. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

It comes amid debate over the use of the independent doctor through the opening rounds of the NRL season, with several players taken from the field for head injury assessments (HIA) before ultimately returning.

Despite criticism from coaches and Bulldogs head of football Phil Gould, who described the independent doctor as the “greatest abomination in rugby league”, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo declared the independent doctor was here to stay with player welfare paramount.

That focus on health is at the core of the move to a mandatory stand-down period, which is in line with the AFL.

Manly coach Anthony Seibold backed the move, having experienced the world rugby system first hand during his time as an assistant coach with England.

“It‘s about protecting the players and protecting their health, both in the short term and long term,” he said on Wednesday.

Concussion remains the most important issue in the NRL, with Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga set to spend an indefinite period off the field after suffering his fourth concussion in 10 months last weekend,

In recent seasons players including former Roosters captains Jake Friend and Boyd Cordner have been forced into retirement after suffering repeated head knocks.