Sport NRL world fumes as concussed star remains on field

NRL fans were left stunned this afternoon after Bulldogs playmaker Lachlan Lewis was allowed to temporarily remain on the field despite suffering a gruesome head knock.

During the first half of Canterbury's 38-0 thrashing at the hands of the Rabbitohs, the Bulldogs were hit with an early blow just five minutes in when Lewis copped a knock to the head while attempting to tackle winger Josh Mansour.

Lewis was left helpless on the ground, and then struggled to stay on his feet once he made his way up off the Stadium Australia turf. Rabbitohs players were forced to assist the five-eighth before a Bulldogs trainer came over for a closer look.

Is an 18th man the answer in the NRL?

Three rounds in and the war of attrition has seen an immediate demand for an 18th man added to squads to ensure that there is a back-up for teams if they are short on players due to concussion. The advantage of an 18th man is that it is seen as a way to ensure teams are not disadvantaged by losing a player by having a player they can insert into the game at any time.

Sickening moment footy star is nearly knocked out cold in ugly head clash but is allowed to KEEP PLAYING despite struggling to keep his feet - as fans turn on the NRL . Commentators and fans have labelled the Canterbury Bulldogs a 'disgrace' after a clearly concussed player was allowed to continue despite twice stumbling over. Bulldogs forward Lachlan Lewis made an awkward tackle on South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Josh Mansour in the opening stages of their annual Good Friday clash where he copped several shots to his head.

Ben Cummins and the Bunker have shocked the NRL after clearing Roosters star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for a hit that forced Newcastle's Kalyn Ponga out of the game. Ponga was collected hard by Waerea-Hargreaves after a kick, with the big forward landing on top of his young rival to spark a response from the Knights. As a scuffle took place Ponga was spotted spitting blood, and he was taken from the field . But the officials took no action against the Roosters, who had the ball after play resumed.

But to the shock of many, which included legendary rugby league commentator Ray Warren, Lewis remained on the field for a handful of plays before referee Grant Atkins blew time, with the club trainer coming back on to the field to take the five-eighth off for a Head Injury Assessment.

© Getty Lachlan Lewis suffers a nasty head knock

"He's hurt, he's staggering," Warren told Nine.

"I've got to be honest, I'm surprised he's still out there."

Peter Sterling added: "He gets his head completely wrong."

It was revealed shortly after that Lewis had failed his HIA, which ruled him out for the remainder of the match.

However, fans on social media were left stunned at the initial decision to allow Lewis to remain on the field, with many taking to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

Gamesmanship an 18th man NRL concern

The NRL has previously knocked back the idea of a concussion substitute because of fears it could be rorted, and some players are concerned it still will be.A day after the Rugby League Players' Association called for the rule amid more than 20 injuries suffered on the weekend, the NRL's stars remained split on the issue.

Rugby league is back and it looks completely different. Not just because of the lack of crowds or rejigged schedule, but because of the rule changes that have put NRL games on fast-forward. The new interpretation on ruck speed and implementation of the six-again rule has opened up the game for the NRL 's most exciting stars to strut their With coronavirus looming over everything these days, the NRL is trying to stay nimble in its response by taking a case-by-case approach. Everyone who wants on - field access, from the biggest stars to sound technicians, has to go through biosecurity protocols.

'The most disgraceful act I've seen on the field in a decade': NRL player left heavily concussed after one-punch attack. Newcastle Knights fullback Jake Mamo was knocked to the ground. He was hit from behind by Ipswich Jets forward Billy McConnachie. Ipswich Jets Forward Billy McConnachie rushed five metres with a cocked fist before landing the hit, which Mr Gidley described as ''the most disgraceful act I've seen on the field in a decade.' The brutal exchange took place midway through the second half of the State Championship final at ANZ stadium on Sunday, and triggered a shift in momentum that

The NRL just earlier this week announced that an 18th player would be added to NRL game day squads from Round 5, which will be used as a concussion substitute.

The 18th man will only be allowed to come into the game if three of his teammates fail HIAs.

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