There are numerous games in Round 2 of the NRL that will demand your attention. If that isnโt enough, or you want a bit more to think about other than whoโs going to win the match, look no further.
Here are six things to look for while youโre watching the second round of the NRL season.
5. Tackle 4: Concussion protocols
There hasnโt been any topic spoken about more in the last few years than concussions.
Coming into 2022, the NRL has a new answer to head injuries and how they address them. The key change is that a โpanel of independent doctorsโ will be in place at every single NRL game according to Graham Annesley.
This independent doctor will have the final say on whether the injury is a category one or two head knock.ย The independent doctor is not making any clinical decisions.
โIt is purely the job of the independent doctor to look for signs of head injury,โ Graham Annesley said.
The NRL has also introduced technology to allow the head trainer to talk directly to the doctor. This, supposedly, makes it faster to assess the player.
โThe main objective is to make sure these incidents don't get messed. Our objective is to pick them up as quickly as possible," Annesley continued
Already, through one round there have been a few controversial decisions, on both ends of the spectrum.
Victor Radley appeared to be removed from the field unnecessarily (and too late, if it was necessary) while Brent Naden was removed far later than he should have been when it was obvious he was in a bad way.
While it doesnโt have the hype factor of some of the others in this list, how head knocks are handled throughout round two is something every footy fan should keep their eye on.
