The National Rugby League (NRL) has issued the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) with a formal warning for failing to follow the game’s policy for managing potential head injuries.
The NRL determined NSW player Boyd Cordner should not have been allowed to return to the field after sustaining a head knock in the 18th minute of Game I of the Ampol State of Origin Series in Adelaide.
Under the NRL’s Operations Manual players who exhibit symptoms, such as motor incoordination, must be classified as a Category One injury and not be permitted to return to the field, regardless of the outcome of the SCAT Assessment.
In reaching the decision the NRL took into account the subjective nature in classifying some symptoms. The NRL acknowledges the professionalism of all medical staff involved in the game.
NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said: “In our view Boyd should not have been allowed to return to the field. Our Chief Medical Officer spoke directly with both NSW and Queensland medical staff prior to Wednesday night’s game and reminded them of our high expectations in this area.”
