Three Clubs Facing MASSIVE Fines Over Concussions

Breaking.


Article heading image for Three Clubs Facing MASSIVE Fines Over Concussions

Photo: Getty Images

St George Illawarra, Newcastle and Gold Coast face fines totalling $350,000 as the NRL launches a major clampdown on alleged breaches of concussion protocols.

The Dragons were slugged with a $100,000 fine after Josh Dugan appeared to cop a head knock in Sunday's win over Cronulla but was allowed to play on.

The Knights were slugged for the same amount after Brendan Elliot stayed on after copping a swinging arm from Hymel Hunt while the Titans are facing a $150,000 sanction over the treament of Kane Elgey, Joe Greenwood and Ryan Simpkins.

The clubs have five days to respond to the breach notices.

"These are, by far, the heaviest fines ever proposed by the game for concussion breaches," NRL CEO Todd Greenberg said.

"That is how seriously we take it."

NRL Official Statement

Three NRL clubs are facing fines totalling $350,000 after being issued with Breach Notices relating to head injuries at the weekend. Read the full NRL statement below.

CEO Todd Greenberg said there is no more important issue in the game than player safety and he was satisfied that the three clubs had failed to follow the concussion rules during weekend matches.

The Breach Notices have been issued to:

The Gold Coast Titans ($150,000) for incidents involving Kane Elgey, Joe Greenwood and Ryan Simpkins;

"St George Illawarra Dragons ($100,000) for an incident involving Josh Dugan;

"Newcastle Knights ($100,000) for an incident involving Brendan Elliot.

"These are, by far, the heaviest fines ever proposed by the game for concussion breaches,” Mr Greenberg said.

“That is how seriously we take it.

“The clubs involved have the opportunity to respond to the Breach Notices, and we will consider those responses, but our message is clear … we are not going to allow player safety to be put at risk through breaches of the concussion rules.”

Mr Greenberg said the NRL has put significant resources into concussion training and education.

“In the majority of cases we see strong compliance with the League’s concussion rules but it appears that this did not happen at the weekend in some matches and we cannot stand by and allow player safety to be put at risk,” he said.

“Where we believe the rules have been breached we will take action – and we would hope that these Breach Notices will serve as a warning to all clubs.”

Mr Greenberg said the clubs would have five business days to respond to the Breach Notices."

Click here to join Triple M NRL's Footy Tipping comp. There's $5,000 up for grabs.

For all the latest and best Triple M NRL news, download the Triple M NRL App

20 March 2017




Listen Live!
Up Next