Successful or not, NRL court cases shine spotlight on player safety
'The plaintiff's mental health deteriorated by reason of his concern at his physical deterioration and how that would affect his future while at the same time being told by the Club's personnel that there was nothing wrong with him and that nothing could be done about it,' according to Perrett's statement of claim, lodged with the Supreme Court on Monday.
Given he has just launched a legal action, Perrett has most certainly done something about it. As to whether there is something wrong with Perrett, and whether former employer Manly was negligent during a contentious pre-season workout at the Narrabeen Sports Complex on November 6, 2017, that is the $5 million question.
Perrett claims he suffered exertional heatstroke, heat stress-induced seizure and psychiatric injury after participating in running sessions in which he was deprived of water. The former Bulldogs prop said he was never the same player or person after being in 'a comatose state for two days', and revealed he had considered taking his own life after his career was cut short prematurely.
It's not the only league-related matter before the Supreme Court. Former Canterbury forward Jackson Topine is suing the Bulldogs, claiming he was subjected to 'assault' when forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates during a training session last year. The Bulldogs have vowed to vigorously defend the matter. Meanwhile, over in the UK, more than 1000 rugby union and rugby league players have launched a concussion class action.
Such lawsuits have raised fears that it's only a matter of time before doctors and lawyers kill off rugby league as we know it. However, it's important to distinguish between the concussion cases – which are facing their own challenges – and alleged negligence off the field.
Only last month, the judge presiding over the concussion class action in the UK blasted the lawyer bringing the claim, accusing him of a 'complete misunderstanding of his responsibilities' and having 'a problem with the English language.' Senior Master Jeremy Cook said that medical records were missing in about 90 per cent of cases, in a huge setback for the plaintiffs.
Closer to home, the most famous concussion case was brought by former Newcastle Knights winger James McManus. After seeking a $1 million payout, McManus said he was 'broken' after the NRL in 2021 stated the matter 'has been resolved in the Knights' favour.' The Australian Rugby League Commission has also withstood a legal challenge launched by premiership-winning prop Michael Greenfield over its handling of shoulder charges.
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Sydney Morning Herald
6 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Successful or not, NRL court cases shine spotlight on player safety
Struggling to comprehend his downward spiral after a life-altering training session now the subject of a multi-million dollar Supreme Court action, Lloyd Perrett was allegedly told there was nothing wrong with him. 'The plaintiff's mental health deteriorated by reason of his concern at his physical deterioration and how that would affect his future while at the same time being told by the Club's personnel that there was nothing wrong with him and that nothing could be done about it,' according to Perrett's statement of claim, lodged with the Supreme Court on Monday. Given he has just launched a legal action, Perrett has most certainly done something about it. As to whether there is something wrong with Perrett, and whether former employer Manly was negligent during a contentious pre-season workout at the Narrabeen Sports Complex on November 6, 2017, that is the $5 million question. Perrett claims he suffered exertional heatstroke, heat stress-induced seizure and psychiatric injury after participating in running sessions in which he was deprived of water. The former Bulldogs prop said he was never the same player or person after being in 'a comatose state for two days', and revealed he had considered taking his own life after his career was cut short prematurely. It's not the only league-related matter before the Supreme Court. Former Canterbury forward Jackson Topine is suing the Bulldogs, claiming he was subjected to 'assault' when forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates during a training session last year. The Bulldogs have vowed to vigorously defend the matter. Meanwhile, over in the UK, more than 1000 rugby union and rugby league players have launched a concussion class action. Such lawsuits have raised fears that it's only a matter of time before doctors and lawyers kill off rugby league as we know it. However, it's important to distinguish between the concussion cases – which are facing their own challenges – and alleged negligence off the field. Only last month, the judge presiding over the concussion class action in the UK blasted the lawyer bringing the claim, accusing him of a 'complete misunderstanding of his responsibilities' and having 'a problem with the English language.' Senior Master Jeremy Cook said that medical records were missing in about 90 per cent of cases, in a huge setback for the plaintiffs. Closer to home, the most famous concussion case was brought by former Newcastle Knights winger James McManus. After seeking a $1 million payout, McManus said he was 'broken' after the NRL in 2021 stated the matter 'has been resolved in the Knights' favour.' The Australian Rugby League Commission has also withstood a legal challenge launched by premiership-winning prop Michael Greenfield over its handling of shoulder charges.
The Age
6 hours ago
- The Age
Successful or not, NRL court cases shine spotlight on player safety
Struggling to comprehend his downward spiral after a life-altering training session now the subject of a multi-million dollar Supreme Court action, Lloyd Perrett was allegedly told there was nothing wrong with him. 'The plaintiff's mental health deteriorated by reason of his concern at his physical deterioration and how that would affect his future while at the same time being told by the Club's personnel that there was nothing wrong with him and that nothing could be done about it,' according to Perrett's statement of claim, lodged with the Supreme Court on Monday. Given he has just launched a legal action, Perrett has most certainly done something about it. As to whether there is something wrong with Perrett, and whether former employer Manly was negligent during a contentious pre-season workout at the Narrabeen Sports Complex on November 6, 2017, that is the $5 million question. Perrett claims he suffered exertional heatstroke, heat stress-induced seizure and psychiatric injury after participating in running sessions in which he was deprived of water. The former Bulldogs prop said he was never the same player or person after being in 'a comatose state for two days', and revealed he had considered taking his own life after his career was cut short prematurely. It's not the only league-related matter before the Supreme Court. Former Canterbury forward Jackson Topine is suing the Bulldogs, claiming he was subjected to 'assault' when forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates during a training session last year. The Bulldogs have vowed to vigorously defend the matter. Meanwhile, over in the UK, more than 1000 rugby union and rugby league players have launched a concussion class action. Such lawsuits have raised fears that it's only a matter of time before doctors and lawyers kill off rugby league as we know it. However, it's important to distinguish between the concussion cases – which are facing their own challenges – and alleged negligence off the field. Only last month, the judge presiding over the concussion class action in the UK blasted the lawyer bringing the claim, accusing him of a 'complete misunderstanding of his responsibilities' and having 'a problem with the English language.' Senior Master Jeremy Cook said that medical records were missing in about 90 per cent of cases, in a huge setback for the plaintiffs. Closer to home, the most famous concussion case was brought by former Newcastle Knights winger James McManus. After seeking a $1 million payout, McManus said he was 'broken' after the NRL in 2021 stated the matter 'has been resolved in the Knights' favour.' The Australian Rugby League Commission has also withstood a legal challenge launched by premiership-winning prop Michael Greenfield over its handling of shoulder charges.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Turbo back at No.1 for Manly as Souths get boost
Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence. Manly have pulled the trigger with their season on the line and moved Tom Trbojevic back to fullback for their crunch away clash with Canberra. The Sea Eagles talisman had a stint at centre for the past five games but with Lehi Hopoate rested for "load management," the call was easy for coach Anthony Seibold. Manly, in 10th position, must reverse a two-game losing streak in the national capital on Friday night, and Trbojevic is a match winner when he plays No.1. "He's a world-class fullback, we've seen that for many years now. He's excited to be back at fullback and so are we," Manly winger Reuben Garrick said of the Trbojevic shift. "(Hopoate's absence) is just load management. He's been up for so many weeks now." South Sydney also received a boost in their away bottom-of-the-table showdown with Gold Coast on Sunday afternoon. Utility forward Brandon Smith (knee) returns on the bench as does hooker Peter Mamouzelos (concussion). Even better news for coach Wayne Bennett is the naming of Latrell Mitchell (quad) on the extended bench. Brisbane welcome the return of prop Payne Haas from a skin infection for their away wrangle with Melbourne on Thursday night. The hosts have been boosted by the inclusion of Queensland forward Trent Loiero at lock after he was rested last week. The Panthers travel to Newcastle on Friday night seeking a 10th win in a row and will have to do it without co-captain Isaah Yeo (shoulder), but they do get tough forward Scott Sorensen back on the bench from a leg injury. The Knights' hopes of springing an upset have been boosted by NSW centre Bradman Best (leg) returning for his first game since round 20. The Dolphins have named young gun Tevita Naufahu to replace star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring) in the home clash with the unchanged Sydney Roosters on Saturday night. Back-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki also returns on the bench from a broken thumb. Canterbury half Lachlan Galvin has been named against the Warriors for Saturday night's fixture against the Warriors at Accor Stadium. With Galvin battling hand and ankle issues, Toby Sexton has been included on the extended bench and is an option if he is ruled out. The Warriors are hanging on to fourth position after two losses but their chances of a win have been enhanced with No.6 Chanel Harris-Tavita back from a calf injury. Prop James Fisher-Harris (calf) is also on the extended bench and could return. The cavalry has ridden back in for battling North Queensland as prop Jason Taumalolo (calf), five-eighth Jake Clifford (quad), centre Viliami Vailea (foot) and bench forward Thomas Mikaele (knee) all return for the away trip to Parramatta on Sunday. The Eels have promoted forward Kelma Tuilagi from NSW Cup and slotted Jordan Samrani into the centres to replace Sean Russell (broken hand). St George Illawarra will field an unchanged lineup in the derby showdown with Cronulla on Saturday afternoon. The Sharks get prop Toby Rudolf back from a concussion absence.
