NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has told disgruntled clubs to get used to players being removed from the field for head injury assessments, making no apologies for a range of controversial decisions from the independent doctors. While Abdo wouldn’t comment on specific events from the opening round, including contentious decisions to haul Kalyn Ponga, Kotoni Staggs, Jacob Kiraz and Sebastian Kris from the field, the NRL boss was adamant the system was here to stay. “We’re not going to make decisions based on who is winning or losing or who needs to stay on the field for a team,” Abdo told the Herald at the Dolphins’ first game at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday. “These decisions on head injury assessments are going to be made on a players’ wellbeing regardless of the team, regardless of the score, regardless of the player. We have a policy, and that policy is about making sure we provide the safest possible environment for the players to play our sport.

Source: Stuff March 05, 2023 23:52 UTC