The NRL is wading its way through the concussion minefield just like every other sport, but it could do worse than copy a measure being used by the AFL this season and introduce a “concussion sub”.
Last night, the Warriors finished their match against the North Queensland Cowboys with 12-men.
It was through sheer bad luck that two players went down with head knocks inside the last 10-minutes.
Fullback Kevin Locke was thumped, albeit legally, by Kane Linnett in a tackle in the 72nd minute and was taken from the field.
Two minutes later, Ben Henry was also escorted looking worse for wear leaving the Warriors a man short for the closing stages because coach Matthew Elliott had already used all of his interchanges.
The Cowboys would score to reduce the margin to two-points, but the Warriors held on to record their first win of the season.
If the Warriors were an AFL side they would’ve been able to use a “concussion sub”.
In the AFL, a player is able to come from the field for a 20-minute period to be assessed by medical officials and the coach is allowed to send a replacement on so his side isn’t left fighting against the odds.
There’s a catch though.
If the player being assessed returns to the field inside the 20-minute period then the opposition gets a free kick and a 50m penalty.
It’s a way of stopping perceived rorting.
The Warriors had an important choice to make last night and they landed on the side of good.
Henry was clearly groggy and needed to be relieved of his duties, but Elliott knew in doing so he would leave his team a man short with the match in the balance.
A concussion sub would make a difference to the decision making process.
Teams shouldn’t be penalised for making responsible decisions when it comes to concussion.
The Warriors pulled a man from the field even though it was going to disadvantage them.
Where is the reward for making the correct choice?
Elliott said he normally would’ve had interchanges up his sleeve, but three outside backs getting injured, including a rib injury to Dane Nielsen in the first half, left him short.
There should be provisions to deal with these situations.
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