The NRL will overhaul its concussion protocols for season 2022, with independent medical doctors to take control of its head injury policy.
Under previous rules, only club-employed doctors have had the power to judge and make a ruling for when a player must come out of the game due to concussion and head injuries.
READ MORE: Sad truth behind Michael Jordan and LeBron James’ NBA All-Star embrace
READ MORE: World No.1 chess player loses to child prodigy
READ MORE: Spanish figure skater fails Olympic drug test
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, starting with the upcoming NRLW season, an independent doctor will monitor the game from a remote video review bunker.
The independent doctor will have the power to rule a player out of a match should they deem the individual is showing symptoms of concussion.
The medical bunker will give the independent doctor access to all of the game’s camera angles. The medical professional will also be in contact with the club doctor as part of the news guidelines.
Players previously had to fail their head injury assessment or be deemed to be showing category one signs by the club doctor to be ruled out of a match.
The NRL informed all clubs today of the change.
During last year’s finals series, the NRL came under fire after Melbourne’s Christian Welch was allowed to stay on the field for several minutes after a head knock.
The situation was made worse when Welch failed his HIA after coming off the field.
The 2021 NRL season also saw champion Roosters duo Boyd Cordner and Jake Friend forced into retirement due to head knocks.