James McManus In Court Suing KNIGHTS

It was a "difficult" decision.


Article heading image for James McManus In Court Suing KNIGHTS

Taking legal action against NRL club Newcastle Knights was a "difficult" decision for former player James McManus, according to his solicitor.

Slater and Gordon Newcastle practice group leader Doug Williams said the `former NSW Origin winger had had a long relationship with the club, and the
rugby league community.

"Having said that, he has sustained a very serious injury that's going to impact on the rest of his life," Mr Williams told reporters outside the NSW
Supreme Court in Sydney on Friday.

"He's got a young family, a family that he has to support, and they are his number one priority."

McManus played 166 games for the Knights before he announced his retirement in August 2016.

He will reportedly allege he was allowed and encouraged to play too soon after suffering multiple concussions, and that the Knights breached its duty of
care to him.

Mr Williams said much of the claim's worth will depend on medical evidence, including the evidence of psychiatrists.

"He has a serious medical condition, he's got objective signs of brain injury, he suffers from mood swings, he's doing it tough, he really is," the
solicitor said.

In a round 20 game in 2015 against South Sydney, McManus claims he was allowed to return to play after being dazed and suffering a suspected facial
injury.

The match proved to be his last, with him missing the remainder of the season before he decided to sit out the 2016 NRL season due to complications
resulting from concussion.

Mr Williams said it was the first high-profile case of its kind in Australia that he was aware of, and it could possibly set a precedent.

"I certainly think there are other players out there that are considering their rights," he said.

McManus was not in court for Friday's directions hearing.

The case will go back before a judge in June.

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17 March 2017




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