Waratah playing coach Udara Weerasinghe eyes return to the field after concussion

A Waratah veteran recovering from a ‘nasty’ Gardens Oval incident, leaving him concussed for several minutes, has called on clubs to be better informed of return to play guidelines.

Waratah’s playing coach who was knocked out for several minutes after attempting to catch a ball during a Premier League match late last month has called on all clubs to be more aware of concussion protocols.

Udara Weerasinghe, who was knocked unconscious after the back of his head collided with the ball on the ground during the Tahs v Darwin game in Round 2 on April 23, has been cleared to return to coaching duties this week.

The Premier Grade veteran, who has played in the Top End for nearly 15 years, said he was looking to return to the field in coming weeks and was recovering well.

“I’m getting better and having a good rest as well,” Weerasinghe said.

“I was lucky all my CT scans were clear.”

Waratah playing coach Udara Weerasinghe says clubs must be better informed about concussion protocols. Picture: Patch Clapp.

However, he called for all Darwin clubs to “invest a bit of time” in concussion guidelines and ensure they are properly enforced.

“Cricket clubs should be more aware of the current guidelines,” he said.

“I don’t think anyone reads the guidelines, and no club has a notice board to display important information that players and members need to know.”

A player seeking to return to play after concussion must provide a letter from a qualified doctor stating they have recovered and are medically fit to play.

He also said it was important all coaches, from juniors to seniors, had a first aid certificate in case of serious injury.

Weerasinghe said he had a vague memory of the incident during the Eagles’ innings, with a medical report revealing he was unconscious for between three and four minutes.

“I remember I was chasing the high ball and that was the only thing I fully remember,” he said.

“I don’t know how long (after the incident) I tried to get up.

“My reports say ... 30 minutes (of) memory loss.”

Weerasinghe, who moved to Darwin in 2009, was discharged from hospital the next day, and was advised to start with stationary cycling for week one of his recovery and then progress to running the following.

Weerasinghe has been cleared to continue coaching for Waratah. Picture: Glenn Campbell

He can then complete non-competitive training in week three.

“According to (my) doctor’s advice I’m allowed to coach from this week, but not playing for three weeks,” he said.

“I need to be 100 per cent before I can play.”

Weerasinghe said he had been overwhelmed and “humbled” by support from Tahs captain Isaac Conway and Darwin skipper Matt Hammond, who decided to stop the game.

He also wanted to publicly thank all club officials and players from both clubs and his family and friends.

“The support from the cricket community has been amazing,” he said.

“Both club members and families have been outstanding in their support and shown how they lift the spirits of the Darwin cricket community.

“My brother Madura told me that everyone was worried about me, he mentioned Kate Mathais and Jacob Dickman who handled the situation very professionally.

“My wife Harshani has been very supportive during this period, I am lucky to have someone like her.

“I have so many friends and families to thank, however they are still messaging me and checking in on my recovery.”