As part of its ongoing commitment to player welfare, the NRL will introduce Injury Surveillance Monitors and appoint a Tournament Medical Officer for the 2014 Holden State of Origin Series.

The Injury Surveillance Monitors will provide the Blues and Maroons team doctors and trainers with direct access to replays from the host broadcaster which they can use to assist in identifying and assessing injuries.

“Player welfare is a priority for the game and this developing technology will provide medical staff with the opportunity to quickly review an incident where a player may have suffered a serious injury or a concussion,” said NRL Head of Football, Mr Todd Greenberg.

“We will trial its use through Origin and determine whether it can be utilised across the Telstra Premiership.”

For the first time, the NRL has also appointed a Tournament Medical Officer for the Holden State of Origin Series with Dr Ken Crichton to provide a direct liaison for the team doctors and trainers in relation to the NRL’s medical rules and procedures.

As part of his role, Dr Crichton will host education seminars for both teams about concussion and head injuries.

“Ken is one of Australia’s leading sports physicians and his expertise will be a valuable support for the teams,” Mr Greenberg said.