Ex-Salford Red Devils star Jackson Hastings questions concussion protocol following Brodie Croft decision

In recent years, there has been an immense crackdown on the concussion issue.

That mainly centres around the lawsuits and litigation being pursued by a whole host of former rugby league and union players which has, understandably, led to an increase in concussion protocols.

That now means that Super League stars will have to sit out for 11 days if they fail their Head Injury Assessment during a game, regardless of what happens during the week in terms of passing regulations.

One such sticking point came on Saturday afternoon when Salford Red Devils went up against the Huddersfield Giants at the John Smith’s Stadium live in front of the Sky Sports and Channel 4 cameras.

Salford talisman Brodie Croft – who just last week was nominated for the Super League Man of Steel – was taken off with a head knock just before half-time after colliding with the knee of Oliver Russell.

Croft failed his HIA and didn’t return for the rest of the game, but, in doing so, it also ruled the diminutive halfback out of the semi-final play-off on Saturday against St Helens.

But, former Salford star Jackson Hastings does not understand the decision – especially if Croft is fine during the week.

Hastings tweeted: “Wait, did they say Croft is out next week if they win?”

“And I’m all for player safety especially with the head / neck. 100%, but surely if he passes the protocols he’d be allowed to play if they go on and win? Anyway hope the lads ok, been great this year.”

And I’m all for player safety especially with the head / neck. 100%, but surely if he passes the protocols he’d be allowed to play if they go on and win?
Anyway hope the lads ok, been great this year.

— Jackson Hastings (@JackoHastings) September 10, 2022

Croft’s absence will be a huge miss for the Red Devils, with the former Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm star taking to Super League like a duck to water.

In fact, Croft’s form has been so good that he has been linked with a move back to the NRL after just one season in Super League.