Concussion downgrade: NRL clears key Bronco to play
Joel Gould |
This season’s leading try scorer Jesse Arthars will play against the Warriors after the NRL agreed he did not suffer a concussion in Brisbane’s clash with Sydney Roosters.
Arthars left the field for a HIA in the 58th minute of the Broncos’ 26-16 loss after a high shot by Roosters hooker Connor Watson.
The winger was initially deemed to be showing category one HIA symptoms by the independent doctor but on review that has been reclassified by the NRL as category two.
Arthars has subsequently been cleared of a concussion by Broncos medicos in a boost to the side ahead of Saturday night’s away trip to Auckland.
The 26-year-old has scored eight tries for the season and has been one of Brisbane’s best.
The independent doctor from the Bunker made an assessment on Friday night that they had seen category one signs, which would have ruled Arthars out of the clash with his former club.
“It’s great that Jesse can be selected this week. His health and safety is paramount to us,” Broncos general manager of NRL operations Troy Thomson told AAP.
“Our doctors went through the standardised processes, as per the operations manual, and there was no clinical diagnosis of concussion on the night. There was also no delayed onset of concussion 48 hours later.”
The Broncos sought clarity around the ruling with the NRL and have abided by all protocols since.
“The NRL reviewed it and reclassified it to a category two. Had that been classified as a category two during the night he would have returned to play for us,” Thomson said.
“It would have been a category two HIA, which he passed on the night.”
Meanwhile the Broncos have some good news around player availability on prop Fletcher Baker, who has not been sighted in the NRL this year.
“Fletcher had some surgery after Christmas on a minor knee complaint,” Thomson said.
“He is back training with the team now and we are hoping he will be available for selection within the foreseeable future.
“We have to integrate him in to the skills side of things and get his fitness up to speed.”
AAP
