Wayne Bennett has dismissed talk of introducing an 18th man after three NRL clubs were slapped with heavy fines for concussion protocol breaches.
The Brisbane coach also slammed the suggestion that a player culture still remained that it was a badge of honour to play on after a concussion.
“We will lose a player then another and people will say ‘we need 19’ – there’s no end to it,” Bennett said of introducing an 18th man.
“The bottom line is we have a good system in place and it protects the players.”
Newcastle coach Nathan Brown renewed calls for NRL teams to be allowed an additional reserve player to come in when players are ruled out mid-game through concussion, after the Knights, Gold Coast and St George Illawarra were fined a total of $350,000 for concussion breaches over the weekend.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I don't think an 18th man is the answer. I believe refs being more willing to sin bin is more than sufficient. Imo anything deemed reportable should be a sin bin. It's ridiculous that the same player can be put on report twice in one match while not having to spend time in the dressing room. While we're at it I believe one of the following should happen, either more leniency in the judiciary for shoulder charges or harsher punishments for throwing punches. Ridiculous that a shoulder charge is 2 weeks plus loading if challenged while throwing a punch is a small fine.
theHunter
Guest
If only the referees made use of the "Bin" for foul play you don't need an extra reserve in the match. It doesn't make sense at all to allow an extra reserve in the match. What if more than 1 player is concussed from foul play? Should all of them have someone jump in to replace them??? You pick and field 17 men. That's it...That's the rugby league we all know and love...
Beastie
Roar Rookie
I would think that this rule would only work if it was for any player that is concussed or injured through foul play.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
I don't think I've ever seen uncle Wayne as emotional as he was in that interview.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Coaches need to change their strategy a little first. I don't think teams can afford to carry four forwards in the bench any longer with the concussion rules. It WILL cost teams games. Teams need to carry a back/utility on the bench to cover injuries to outside backs. I don't think they can complain about no 18th man while they play four forwards. I think the NRL are going ok with the concussion rules but they still need work. Coaches can't wait to get forwards off for HIA's to utilise the free interchange but do everything they can to keep halves and outside backs out there.
B-Unit
Guest
I can't agree with Nathan Brown or anyone on this if it's for concussion only. Concussion is a serious thing but I don't think we should separate it from other injuries. It wouldn't be right if you could bring in an 18th man for a concussed player, but not one with, say, a broken leg. Either make it for all game ending injuries or none of them...
Riggs
Guest
Agree