Royce Simmons

[hank37w]

I think it's moreso about duty of care. No one is forcing them to play but they are surrounded by people they trust with their lives in doctors and physios. So I can understand if there was a lack of duty of care. If more people come with head related injuries and with long term effects of it, NRL will and should be blamed. If people who play Rugby League are more likely to have long term brain related illnesses, it would mean that this sport isn't safe, it isn't regulated well or the code has a pattern of a lack of duty of care.

Where do you draw the line though as far as Duty Of Care is concerned? High-risk sports are described as such for a reason.

100% don't want to degenerate this thread though, it's intended as a place of good wishes for Roycie and his wellbeing.

Pretty sure that if guys like Royce and Turvey had their time over they would still play the game despite what has been discovered about concussion etc. in recent years.

**People play the game because they love the game and it satisfies their competitive side and if they do okay financially out of it then that is a bonus.**

This is the 90's remember. Long before Wayne Bennett would refuse paying Petro 300k to be a prop!

Yes I do remember that and did refer to the financial side of things as being incidental or a bonus if there was much in it.

Think someone else also mentioned on here that Royce actually did say he would do it all again in a heart beat. (or words to that effect)

Probably should have said, "People played the game in the past mainly because they loved the game and the competitiveness at a time where the financial incentives were no where near as great as they are today.

 

[OzLuke]

I'm surprised that the NRL doesn't make headgear mandatory. I know it doesn't stop the huge head clashes etc, but surely it would help a lot of the smaller knocks? Anything to protect the head must be good surely?

 

[Fade.To.Black]

I'm surprised that the NRL doesn't make headgear mandatory. I know it doesn't stop the huge head clashes etc, but surely it would help a lot of the smaller knocks? Anything to protect the head must be good surely?

Supposedly headgear doesn't lesson the effects on the brain. You would have to think it would help in some impacts to cushion the blow somewhat.

 

[clontarfkid]

Was listening to 2sm today..Pete Mortimer rang in to confirm rumours Steve has some very serious health issues,including unfortunately a very rapidly developing dementia problem
Gonna be ARLs biggest issue this year after Covid,and expect to see another crackdown on head tackles

Could be going down the same road as the NFL have in recent years. Potential for a lot of lawsuits.

Which I think is wrong. No-one forces any player to play the game, it's obviously a high risk sport and that fact is known by every player from a very young age. Same as combat sports, motorsports and the like.

That being said all the best to Royce and I hope he has many more years of quality of life. Sad news.

..what were seeing now is the legacy of an era where players were 75% of the size and athletism they are today...unless something changes there will be no contact sports in 20 yrs time
Expect further "crackdowns " asap..

 

[supercoach]

A few of the old Wests supporters might remember a guy called Rod Smith, a lock or second rower who played in the Noel Kelly era..His brother was Wayne Smith who played full back. Anyway Rod passed away yesterday aged 74 of Alzheimers. You certainly have to worry about the links of brain trauma injuries and Alzheimers.

Anyway Rod was a great guy and a great friend of mine for over 30 years and loved the Magpies till the lights went out

 

[KingRobbie]

A few of the old Wests supporters might remember a guy called Rod Smith, a lock or second rower who played in the Noel Kelly era..His brother was Wayne Smith who played full back. Anyway Rod passed away yesterday aged 74 of Alzheimers. You certainly have to worry about the links of brain trauma injuries and Alzheimers.

Anyway Rod was a great guy and a great friend of mine for over 30 years and loved the Magpies till the lights went out

Sorry to hear mate.

 

[tiger_one]

A few of the old Wests supporters might remember a guy called Rod Smith, a lock or second rower who played in the Noel Kelly era..His brother was Wayne Smith who played full back. Anyway Rod passed away yesterday aged 74 of Alzheimers. You certainly have to worry about the links of brain trauma injuries and Alzheimers.

Anyway Rod was a great guy and a great friend of mine for over 30 years and loved the Magpies till the lights went out

Sorry for your loss.
Alzheimers is a curse.