NRL warns players staying down for penalties risk being sent for concussion tests

Players who stay on the ground after contact waiting for refereeing intervention will continue to be sent for concussion tests after another weekend in which the “milking” debate reared its head.

NRL head of football Graham Annesley confirmed on Monday the remote independent doctor would be vigilant in ensuring players who are “slow to stand” subsequently undergo 15-minute head injury assessments, while also admitting the bunker had blundered in awarding Manly a controversial try.

The “milking” issue flared up in the Roosters’ defeat of the Eels on Saturday night when, most notably, Kelma Tuilagi was slow to return to his feet after a tackle, ultimately winning a penalty after a lengthy delay.

The following day, Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan was ordered off the field to undergo a concussion test after being slow getting up from a hit from Haumole Olakau’atu, prompting referee Peter Gough and the bunker to also award a penalty.

Annesley was at pains to point out he wasn’t accusing players of feigning injury, but said those who stayed on the ground for extended periods run the risk of being sent for HIAs.

“One of the signs the independent doctor in the bunker looks for is any player who is slow to stand after any kind of head contact, whether it be accidental or as a result of foul play,” Annesley said.

“While I’m not suggesting that players may be feigning injury in an attempt to receive a penalty, players who do not regain their feet within 15 seconds after identifiable head contact, will generally find they are removed to undergo a head injury assessment.

“In the case of minor head or neck contact, the bunker match official will only intervene if the contact is deemed to be at least a reportable incident.”