RLPA disappointed over lack of stronger concussion protocols at training

The RLPA have voiced their disappointment with the NRL over a delay to implement stricter concussion protocols at training after a damning new player report.

The RLPA’s annual player survey revealed that 60 per cent of male players and 48 per cent of female players reported continuing to train after experiencing a suspected concussion at training.

From the survey of 552 players, 38 per cent of male players also indicated they felt pressure to continue training with concussion symptoms, along with 28 per cent of female players.

It marks a significant rise among male players, up 24 per cent among men from 2024.

The results have caused the RLPA’s focus surrounding concussion to shift from awareness to culture, believing stricter concussion protocols will change attitudes and habits among players.

RLPA General Manager of Player and Football Operations Jamie Buhrer revealed the RLPA had hoped to introduce these protocols during the 2025/26 pre-season, however they ultimately didn't get confirmed in time.

“There's a number of things (contributing), and you couldn't just categorically say it's one or the other but it's definitely a combination of all of them,” Buhrer told SEN 1170 Mornings.

“We think… there needs to be stronger measures in monitoring the contact within training.

“We thought that ahead of this preseason, we had some productive conversations with the NRL about the implementation of contact training restrictions.

“Unfortunately, we're still waiting for confirmation on that being implemented because in our view that should have been in as soon as this preseason that's just gone.

“I'd be lying if we weren't disappointed in that, that's for sure.”

Buhrer also revealed the sharp rise in reported concussions at training took the RLPA by surprise, given the results from the previous year.

The RLPA have found now that “concussion management is no longer simply a medical process it is a cultural one”, with 29 per cent of male players reported continuing to train with concussions.

The numbers however could be greater than currently reported, with not every player responding to every question asked, and the culture of playing through concussions likely contributing to underreporting.

Buhrer says the implementation of stronger protocols will take the decision to play out of players’ hands, a crucial key to reducing the number experienced.

“It was a shock,” Buhrer enforced, “Obviously, (results are) up on our survey last year as well, which I can honestly say we hadn't expected.

“What it's really shown is that training is a blind spot for the game when it comes to concussion.

“I don't say that's an intentional blind spot at all. I think we can all agree, the NRL and the clubs have done a great job when it comes to match day in how, for the most part, potential concussions are identified and managed.

“There's cameras everywhere. Everybody's got their eyes on every potential collision but it's safe to say that's not happening on the training paddock and there's a lot of training that takes place that involves contact.

“While there are spotters in place, it's probably fair to say it's just not getting the same level of oversight, and it's leading to players perhaps being their own worst enemy in some cases of not reporting concussions.

“But whether perceived or real, there's a level of pressure they feel to continue, which means that spotting and identifying potential concussions is really important so we're kind of trying to take it out of their hands.

“For us, this data says we've got a lot more work to do when it comes to contact training.

“Now, we've had some conversations with the NRL about the introduction of contact training restrictions.

“It's mathematics, really. The more contact you do, the more chance of suffering a concussion.

“We're certainly not advocating for no contact. It's rugby league. It's why the fans watch the game for the most part, for that physical nature.

“We need to identify how much is enough, and implement some restrictions, really sooner rather than later.

“We need to ensure that that's more controlled, definitely.”