St George Illawarra are standing by their medical staff despite being slapped with a $100,000 fine by the NRL for breaching concussion rules.
Despite scathing criticism from NRL chief Todd Greenberg over the club's treatment of Josh Dugan, Dragons coach Paul McGregor remains adamant his staff operated in an ethical and proper manner.
"The club's still going through a process at the moment," McGregor said.
"But I'll say this, I certainly, to the nth degree, back the integrity of my staff. I'm very confident in the process that took place."
Fullback Dugan lay motionless with the game stopped for at least a minute after he copped an elbow from teammate Russell Packer. After being treated he was allowed to play on.
McGregor said after the match Dugan had copped an injury to the jaw and at the time there was no suggestion he had sustained a concussion.
But Greenberg said he was dismayed Dugan was allowed to play on despite appearing to cop a heavy head knock.
On Monday, the Dragons were slugged with a breach notice by the NRL who said Dugan should have been removed to undergo a head injury assessment test.
The game's governing body also issued a $150,000 fine to the Gold Coast and charged Newcastle $100,000, as they seek to crack down on the flouting of head knock rules.
All three clubs are still to submit their responses to the NRL's breach notices.
McGregor said he would also like to the NRL introduce an 18th man to ease the growing trend of players suffering concussion.
Share
