MacManus Brings First Concussion Claim In NRL

The first case of an Australian rugby player launching legal action against a former club employer for their handling of concussion injuries was raised this week as James McManus claims Newcastle Knights should have forced him into retirement in 2013 but their failure to do so resulted in him suffering up to 10 concussions and permanent brain injury.

It is expected that the case will have ramifications for the sporting and legal fraternities and could result in a flood of claims by other players should he be successful.

In a statement of claim filed to the court and obtained by Fairfax Media, it’s claimed McManus was permitted or urged to continue his career despite displaying traumatic brain injury symptoms including “confusion, disorientation, memory impairment and balance disturbance”.

The former NSW winger is seeking damages, costs and interest after suffering from “traumatic brain injury”, “post-concussive syndrome” and “chronic traumatic encephalopathy”.