The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with a breach notice for failing to immediately remove player Lachlan Lewis from the field after a head knock sustained during Round 4 of the NRL Telstra Premiership. The Breach Notice proposes a fine of $20,000.
Under NRL rules, any player who exhibits clear signs of motor incoordination or possible motor incoordination must be removed from the field immediately.
The NRL acknowledges the Bulldogs did view Injury Surveillance screen replays and removed Lewis from the field within two minutes of further elapsed game time. When considering the proposed penalty, the NRL has taken into account the club's compliance to this part of the policy and that Lewis did not remain on the field for any tactical purpose.
The NRL reminds clubs that all officials and coaching staff, beyond club doctors and trainers, have a responsibility to be alert to player reactions after head knocks during a game.
The Bulldogs have five business days to respond to the Breach Notice.
