Club incurs massive fine for head knock breach

Canterbury Bulldogs have been issued a $20,000 fine by the NRL for failing to immediately remove Lachlan Lewis from the field after a head knock during round four.

Under NRL rules, any player who exhibits clear signs of motor incoordination or possible motor incoordination must be removed from the field immediately.

The NRL acknowledges the Bulldogs did view injury surveillance screen replays and removed Lewis from the field within two minutes of further elapsed game time.

When considering the proposed penalty, the NRL took into account the club’s compliance to this part of the policy and that Lewis did not remain on the field for any tactical purpose.

The NRL has reminded clubs that “all officials and coaching staff, beyond club doctors and trainers, have a responsibility to be alert to player reactions after head knocks during a game”.