ARL Commission approves 18th man to bolster benches for concussed players

[King Salvo]

As John McEnroe often said "You can't be serious " -You can see from below the ARL/ NRL are not taking concussions seriously

The 18th man will be used as a concussion substitute but will only be allowed to come into the game if three of his teammates fail HIAs (head injury assessments).

In a twist to the new addition to the benches, the 18th man must be an 'emerging player', with the definition of an 'emerging player' still to be determined by the NRL.

Before introducing the new measure, the ARLC will consult with the RLPA, clubs and coaches, with the 'emerging player' definition to be crafted within this consultation process.

https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/18th-ma...6-a4fa51365f17

[IRoosterManI]

Going to be interesting to see how south’s and storm abuse this.

[Waylander]

You've got to have 3 players fail HIA's in the game before you can use the 18th man. That has only happened twice in the last 6 years. Not much of a fix IMHO.

[King Salvo]

You've got to have 3 players fail HIA's in the game before you can use the 18th man. That has only happened twice in the last 6 years. Not much of a fix IMHO.

If its a rough game and the 3 players are off and fail the HIA as a result of foul play I don't know if the 18th player being an emerging one would want to go on.

Coach to the 18th man emerging player we need to put you on so get ready - 18th man Emerging player to coach - gees love to coach but i pulled a leg muscle and can't go on.

They have to clarify what an emerging player is as it will be a different player each week so from round 5 that will be 20 different players each team will have as this 18th player for each of the weeks . So one can assume the 20 each team will use will be from players in the 30 player squad not selected in the 17/ Development players and Jersey Flegg players.

Not sure how contracts are but if say your a Jersey Flegg player and have in your contract you receive a bonus for playing NRL does that payment then affect the cap if say a club has maxed out their cap - do they train with the NRL side that week if not part of the 30 NRL squad.

These Jersey flegg players are not on much money and may have full time jobs or study so taking the week off maybe an issue including if they are not somewhat compensated for this week they i assume will be training with the NRL squad in some capacity and travelling with the team etc.

Sure it could be said they will only play if 3 team mates are ruled out for failing the HIA and this very rare but they will still have to prepare for the game in case they are required.

To me having 2 subs makes more sense for both HIA and Injuries - people will say oh it will be rorted - okay make it that players ruled out for failing the HIA don't play the next game - those ruled out of game with an injury need a medical clearance to play the next week - independent doctors assessment although the integrity of club doctors should not be questioned if they provide this.- the AFL model

[zac]

i think they should have an 18th player who comes onto the bench whenever a player fails an hia. if nothing else, it means you won't have a lot of 18th players getting no football.

sure, the game's about toughness and attrition but if players who would normally play on despite concussion are no longer allowed to do so then toughness doesn't come into it.

[Kentucky_Fried_Rooster]

It's a step in the right direction but is open to abuse.
Maybe it should be when 2 players suffer HIA then he can come on to the bench.
But if he is brought onto the bench then the 2 players that fail the HIA can't play the next game (no idea what to do for grand finals).

If Teddy and Keary got injured in a game Robbo isn't going to bring a 18th man in unless it was serious knowing they would be out next week. Not going to just bring a 18th man in because they are getting tired and to rort the new rule which I'm positive coaches would abuse.

[King Salvo]

i think they should have an 18th player who comes onto the bench whenever a player fails an hia. if nothing else, it means you won't have a lot of 18th players getting no football.

sure, the game's about toughness and attrition but if players who would normally play on despite concussion are no longer allowed to do so then toughness doesn't come into it.

the 18th player has to be a different player each week so basically 20 different players will be the 18th player for each of the teams each week

[OMR]

More BS on the run from the ARLC

[Johnny Tobin]

It's a joke. Will almost never be used.

[Tedley]

Why in first grade do we need a replacement for an injured player ?
Why di we need to differentiate between a concussion or a broken leg. They are both injuries. They do require different treatments and approaches from a clinical point of view but why should an 18th man be brought in for 3 HIA and not 3 ACL injuries ?

The 18th players was brought as a HIA replacement in the lower grades, semi professional comps and rep coms to allow people to take head injuries more seriously and have an option to discourage the coach from putting a player back on when they should not.

Either do it for all game ending injuries or not at all. I support the idea of it being an emerging player

[Mad_Rabid_Rooster]

The idea might be fine, but I think it is largely a non-event. Coaches are not going to want to bring on an untried development player if they can at all help it.

My issue is more with the timing. It seems like a knee-jerk reaction. It should be considered during the off season, in other matches, or introduced across the juniors and/or pathways levels. Is it utilised in the NSW Cup or elsewhere? I think Teddy was asked about it.

Somewhat surprised V'Landys allowed this change now.