Wests Tigers are planning to appeal a $20,000 fine for breaching the NRL's concussion rules, with coach Mick Potter expressing shock that the club had even been investigated.
The NRL announced on Wednesday the Tigers had been issued with a fine, $10,000 of which will be suspended, for allowing Liam Fulton to play on despite showing signs of concussion in their round five clash against Manly.
Fulton also suffered concussion in rounds one and three, and was subsequently rested from the Tigers' following match on both occasions.
The experienced back-rower took another head knock attempting to tackle Sea Eagle Peta Hiku at Leichhardt Oval in round five, but a Tigers trainer cleared him to play on.
Potter on Thursday launched a passionate defence of the club's medical staff and said the Tigers had a strong case to win their appeal, which must be lodged within five working days.
"I think our medical staff did everything possible and the right thing on the day," Potter said.
"I think Grant's looking at it. I think we've got a good case.
"I thought (Fulton) was OK as did our medical staff. I don't think there's any question really.
"I was (shocked). Even that there was an investigation into it."
Potter said Fulton had a referral from the NRL to a specialist to ensure he was fit to play in that Manly encounter, with the coach using that example to highlight that he believes the club has followed the right procedures in terms of player safety.
"I think what's happened is harsh," he said.
Meanwhile, Fulton is in doubt to face the Sydney Roosters on Friday night as he battles a back complaint.
Canterbury escaped punishment for a concussion incident involving prop James Graham in round four, because the club argued that neither the head trainer or doctor witnessed what had happened.
However, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg said strengthening of the game's concussion laws on Wednesday now means ignorance is no excuse.
"In other words, we are putting greater onus on the clubs to ensure they identify any player exhibiting signs of concussion and take them from the field immediately," Greenberg said in a statement.
"To help them do this, club trainers who have restricted duties will be required to help identify players who may have concussion and remove that player from the field for assessment by the club doctor.
"It will no longer be an excuse for clubs to say that the club doctor and trainer did not observe any concussion signs. It's the club's responsibility to do so."
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