Simon Dwyer story
- Thread starter genoshan
- Start date
A new story has been published that explains the NRL's reaction to the other article..
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**Three years after injury ended his career, Simon Dwyer finally to get support from NRL**
**Nick Walshaw
The Daily Telegraph
May 02, 2014 5:36PM**
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/three-years-after-injury-ended-his-career-simon-dwyer-finally-to-get-support-from-nrl/story-fni3fbgz-1226903702056
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SIMON Dwyer, the Wests Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, was scheduled to meet with NRL officials in Dubbo on Friday after receiving an outpouring of support from fans.
The Daily Telegraph revealed how Dwyer had essentially been forgotten by the game after tearing five nerves from his spinal column, and left with no use of his right arm, almost three years ago.
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The 25-year-old has since received a staggering amount of support on social media, including tweets from Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley and his former Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.
This young guy deserves a lot more from our game. @NRL @RLPlayers http://t.co/XphNX6Uzcn
— Kurt Gidley (@kurt_gidley) May 1, 2014
In Dubbo working as an assistant to City coach Brad Fittler, Dwyer was contacted by NRL welfare officers Nigel Vagana and Andrew Ryan, with the latter organising a meeting for last night.
Around 4.30pm on Friday, the NRL also provided a brief statement, which said the organisation would work with the former NSW Origin hopeful to help him “develop a long term career”.
“@robbiefarah: Bout time someone told the Simon Dwyer story…” pic.twitter.com/OQELkc98bu
— Pat Richards (@patrichards5) May 2, 2014
The five-paragraph release also suggested Dwyer had received funding towards a Diploma in Sports Management in 2011.
Almost three years since being injured in match against Canterbury at Campbelltown Stadium, Dwyer still cannot use his right hand and has only minimal movement in his arm. He has also been forced off his pain killing medication after it started giving him seizures.
“Clearly the NRL wants to help Simon further,” NRL Chief Operating officer Jim Doyle said in the release. “Especially in regards to how we can assist with a long term career.”
Dwyer has had to wear his sling since his injury almost three years ago.
Dwyer has had to wear his sling since his injury almost three years ago. Source: News Corp Australia
The Rugby League Players Association also contacted The Daily Telegraph late on Friday to say they too had reached out to the disabled star, after being “unaware” of his situation.
“We are waiting to hear back from Simon to find out whether we can assist him,” the official said. “If so, we’ll discuss with him what form that might take.
“We will also work with the NRL to reassess what has so far been provided to Simon and whether more can be done under the NRL/RLPA Education and Welfare Program.
“We weren’t aware he needed further support, as, up until today, we understood he was working with Wests Tigers and forging a career off the field. If that’s not the case and he needs our assistance then we’ll certainly step up but we’d like to speak with Simon before we make any further comments.”
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**Three years after injury ended his career, Simon Dwyer finally to get support from NRL**
**Nick Walshaw
The Daily Telegraph
May 02, 2014 5:36PM**
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/three-years-after-injury-ended-his-career-simon-dwyer-finally-to-get-support-from-nrl/story-fni3fbgz-1226903702056
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SIMON Dwyer, the Wests Tigers forward left disabled by rugby league, was scheduled to meet with NRL officials in Dubbo on Friday after receiving an outpouring of support from fans.
The Daily Telegraph revealed how Dwyer had essentially been forgotten by the game after tearing five nerves from his spinal column, and left with no use of his right arm, almost three years ago.
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The 25-year-old has since received a staggering amount of support on social media, including tweets from Newcastle captain Kurt Gidley and his former Wests Tigers skipper Robbie Farah.
This young guy deserves a lot more from our game. @NRL @RLPlayers http://t.co/XphNX6Uzcn
— Kurt Gidley (@kurt_gidley) May 1, 2014
In Dubbo working as an assistant to City coach Brad Fittler, Dwyer was contacted by NRL welfare officers Nigel Vagana and Andrew Ryan, with the latter organising a meeting for last night.
Around 4.30pm on Friday, the NRL also provided a brief statement, which said the organisation would work with the former NSW Origin hopeful to help him “develop a long term career”.
“@robbiefarah: Bout time someone told the Simon Dwyer story…” pic.twitter.com/OQELkc98bu
— Pat Richards (@patrichards5) May 2, 2014
The five-paragraph release also suggested Dwyer had received funding towards a Diploma in Sports Management in 2011.
Almost three years since being injured in match against Canterbury at Campbelltown Stadium, Dwyer still cannot use his right hand and has only minimal movement in his arm. He has also been forced off his pain killing medication after it started giving him seizures.
“Clearly the NRL wants to help Simon further,” NRL Chief Operating officer Jim Doyle said in the release. “Especially in regards to how we can assist with a long term career.”
Dwyer has had to wear his sling since his injury almost three years ago.
Dwyer has had to wear his sling since his injury almost three years ago. Source: News Corp Australia
The Rugby League Players Association also contacted The Daily Telegraph late on Friday to say they too had reached out to the disabled star, after being “unaware” of his situation.
“We are waiting to hear back from Simon to find out whether we can assist him,” the official said. “If so, we’ll discuss with him what form that might take.
“We will also work with the NRL to reassess what has so far been provided to Simon and whether more can be done under the NRL/RLPA Education and Welfare Program.
“We weren’t aware he needed further support, as, up until today, we understood he was working with Wests Tigers and forging a career off the field. If that’s not the case and he needs our assistance then we’ll certainly step up but we’d like to speak with Simon before we make any further comments.”
dazza65
Well-known member
Fantastic, about time. But really the NRL shouldn't wait until "people power" and negative publicity hits. They have enough of these welfare officers now to be proactive, not reactive.
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G
Guest
Guest
A band-aid solution that has come all too late from the NRL.
@willow said:
it seems like more click-mongering from the telegraph.
cornering Dwyer to get the story they want, which they portray in that completely one-sided manner. when in fact the NRL had ensured he was being looked after by the club (which he was) and left it at that.
" before rugby league disabled him"
"So in the two years since the Greatest Game of All ruined him"
innsaneink
Well-known member
THREE seasons ago, Simon Dwyer was a rising NRL star with the rugby league world at his feet. A City Origin forward, a future NSW Blue, the Wests Tigers backrower was fast carving out a reputation as one tough hombre.
This week, Dwyer will meet with a sports lawyer as the ex-Tigers forward explores his compensation claim options in terms of the brachial plexus injury that has left him with no feeling or movement in his right arm.
This is where it gets complicated. When Wests local junior Dwyer initially ripped five nerves from his spinal column at Campbelltown Stadium on June 23, 2011, the Tigers medical staff came under fire for allowing him to walk off the field.
It wasn’t just anyone who was launching the criticism, either, it was the NRL’s chief medical officer Ron Muratore, who told The Sunday Telegraph at the time: “I couldn’t believe they (walked Dwyer off). I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what they were thinking, but he didn’t seem like he could stand up.
“The way he was holding his arm, you could see that there was no use in that arm.
NRL FINALLY RESPONDS TO SIMON DWYER
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
“If you look at the tackle, it didn’t look like it was a shoulder injury to me — it looked like a brachial plexus injury. There are five nerves that go down that arm and he’s belted them where they form at the neck.”
In a court of law, given Dwyer sustained a career-ending injury and has potentially lost millions in earnings, the question has to be posed, what does that mean?
Bear in mind, the going rate for gun backrower’s in the NRL at the moment is $600,000-a season.
To the Tigers’ credit, the club has delivered on its pledge to look after Dwyer, signing him to a three-year contract worth $360,000 to work as a club statistician.
But The Sunday Telegraph has been told they also gave him a verbal guarantee of a job for life, which has since transformed into Dwyer being off-contract as of October 31 this year and the club reviewing the entire coaching staff.
The Tigers have also paid in excess of $100,000 worth of medical bills, which given the fact Dwyer suffered a disability in the work place, is the right thing and the only thing for the rugby league club to do.
But what has the NRL done? Equally as importantly, what has the Rugby League Players Association done to support one of its own who was injured, permanently, on the field?
The RLPA has been exposed as the embarrassing toothless tiger of the code, failing to do anything to help one of its fallen.
The Tigers intend to lobby the NRL this week to begin tipping in some money to help support Dwyer for the rest of his days, with the club contacting the governing body at the start of last week to begin discussions about this case.
When Dwyer’s plight was made public, the NRL put out a statement offering to sit down and discuss potential career paths with the injured forward.
**Part of Dwyer’s three-year Tigers contract meant signing an indemnity form refraining from taking legal action against the club. He has until June 23 to decide if he wants to go down the legal road, because if he does Dwyer must do so inside three years of sustaining his injury.**
SIMON DWYER IS LEAGUE’S SECRET SHAME
Another part of Dwyer’s contract with the Tigers includes a testimonial lunch and a lump-sum pay out at the end the three-year deal. But if he decides to go legal, this is forfeited.
Dwyer, a quiet, unassuming character, does not want his case splashed everywhere and held up as a test case in terms of players and insurance and what is right and what is wrong.
Whatever course of action Simon Dwyer decides to take, rugby league needs to continue to rally around him.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/simon-dwyer-considers-legal-options-over-careerending-injury/story-fn2mcuj6-1226904373484
This week, Dwyer will meet with a sports lawyer as the ex-Tigers forward explores his compensation claim options in terms of the brachial plexus injury that has left him with no feeling or movement in his right arm.
This is where it gets complicated. When Wests local junior Dwyer initially ripped five nerves from his spinal column at Campbelltown Stadium on June 23, 2011, the Tigers medical staff came under fire for allowing him to walk off the field.
It wasn’t just anyone who was launching the criticism, either, it was the NRL’s chief medical officer Ron Muratore, who told The Sunday Telegraph at the time: “I couldn’t believe they (walked Dwyer off). I wasn’t there, so I don’t know what they were thinking, but he didn’t seem like he could stand up.
“The way he was holding his arm, you could see that there was no use in that arm.
NRL FINALLY RESPONDS TO SIMON DWYER
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
“If you look at the tackle, it didn’t look like it was a shoulder injury to me — it looked like a brachial plexus injury. There are five nerves that go down that arm and he’s belted them where they form at the neck.”
In a court of law, given Dwyer sustained a career-ending injury and has potentially lost millions in earnings, the question has to be posed, what does that mean?
Bear in mind, the going rate for gun backrower’s in the NRL at the moment is $600,000-a season.
To the Tigers’ credit, the club has delivered on its pledge to look after Dwyer, signing him to a three-year contract worth $360,000 to work as a club statistician.
But The Sunday Telegraph has been told they also gave him a verbal guarantee of a job for life, which has since transformed into Dwyer being off-contract as of October 31 this year and the club reviewing the entire coaching staff.
The Tigers have also paid in excess of $100,000 worth of medical bills, which given the fact Dwyer suffered a disability in the work place, is the right thing and the only thing for the rugby league club to do.
But what has the NRL done? Equally as importantly, what has the Rugby League Players Association done to support one of its own who was injured, permanently, on the field?
The RLPA has been exposed as the embarrassing toothless tiger of the code, failing to do anything to help one of its fallen.
The Tigers intend to lobby the NRL this week to begin tipping in some money to help support Dwyer for the rest of his days, with the club contacting the governing body at the start of last week to begin discussions about this case.
When Dwyer’s plight was made public, the NRL put out a statement offering to sit down and discuss potential career paths with the injured forward.
**Part of Dwyer’s three-year Tigers contract meant signing an indemnity form refraining from taking legal action against the club. He has until June 23 to decide if he wants to go down the legal road, because if he does Dwyer must do so inside three years of sustaining his injury.**
SIMON DWYER IS LEAGUE’S SECRET SHAME
Another part of Dwyer’s contract with the Tigers includes a testimonial lunch and a lump-sum pay out at the end the three-year deal. But if he decides to go legal, this is forfeited.
Dwyer, a quiet, unassuming character, does not want his case splashed everywhere and held up as a test case in terms of players and insurance and what is right and what is wrong.
Whatever course of action Simon Dwyer decides to take, rugby league needs to continue to rally around him.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/simon-dwyer-considers-legal-options-over-careerending-injury/story-fn2mcuj6-1226904373484
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
He should do what he thinks is best. If he feels the club has been negligent, then he shouldn't hesitate taking legal action against them.
innsaneink
Well-known member
Seeing a lawyer this week with a decision on what he does needing to be made by next month.
I think he will take legal action…seems a no brainer putting aside club supporter bias
I think he will take legal action…seems a no brainer putting aside club supporter bias
happy_tiger
Well-known member
Gotta agree with the part of the argument in regards to the RLPA
About as useful as tits on a bull
About as useful as tits on a bull
happy_tiger
Well-known member
So the players don't get income protection from their superannuation ??
Technically he should be getting 75% of his salary covered ??
Technically he should be getting 75% of his salary covered ??
southerntiger
New member
@happy tiger said:
He is working for the Tigers. Why would income protection apply, even if he does have it?
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happy_tiger
Well-known member
@southerntiger said:
Having worked through this for approximately 3 months after dramas after a knee reco, even if you are working part time or a work plan , you are still entitled to receive 75% of your salary
And players definitely get super , when they showed Fifitas contract on NRL 360 it had the total including Superannuation on it
southerntiger
New member
@happy tiger said:
Happy it depends on the policy. But Dwyer isnt working part-time is he? Hasnt he simply accepted a new job albeit in a slightly different field.
Also income protection isnt compulsory in super - death and TPD are - my guess is that the default super for NRL players is unlikely to have income protection as a default as the premiums would be too high.
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G
Guest
Guest
Wests Tigers NRL club move to help out injured former player Simon Dwyer
9 hours ago May 05, 2014 12:00AM
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WESTS Tigers will meet with Simon Dwyer and his manager this week to discuss his long-term future at the club.
The Daily Telegraph has been told the Tigers are looking to renew Dwyer’s deal for next year, and possibly beyond.
Dwyer will also receive a lump sum at the end of this year, while the club is helping organise a testimonial dinner.
At present, Dwyer is on a three-year contract worth $360,000 — a figure that includes a player termination payment and for his work as a GPS statistician.
Dwyer hasn’t played since ripping five nerves from his spinal column during a match at Campbelltown in 2011.
The Daily Telegraph last week revealed that Dwyer had received little support from the NRL or Rugby League Players Association since suffering the injury. He might consider legal action in a bid to receive compensation.
The Tigers are ready to further help Dwyer, having already paid more than $100,000 in medical costs.
Dwyer has been paying 9.25 per cent of his wage into a superannuation fund. That is paid quarterly.
A former forward, Dwyer’s management will also look at the state government’s sporting injures insurance act. That is a fund in which sporting organisations can pay premiums and then apply for a benefit.
Applications go to a committee, which then determines whether the injury falls under the act. Injured players can be compensated in a lump sum of up to $171,000.
With Dwyer’s injury, it is understood his maximum payout through worker’s compensation would be about $50,000.
Legal sources claim Dwyer would struggle to win a case should he accuse the Tigers of being negligent after the injury occurred.
Dwyer has a brachial plexus injury and has no movement or feeling in his right arm.
There are suggestions former Wests Tigers CEO Steve Humphreys offered Dwyer a job for life. The club is yet to determine when, if or how the offer was made.
RLPA chief executive David Garnsey could not be contacted.
9 hours ago May 05, 2014 12:00AM
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WESTS Tigers will meet with Simon Dwyer and his manager this week to discuss his long-term future at the club.
The Daily Telegraph has been told the Tigers are looking to renew Dwyer’s deal for next year, and possibly beyond.
Dwyer will also receive a lump sum at the end of this year, while the club is helping organise a testimonial dinner.
At present, Dwyer is on a three-year contract worth $360,000 — a figure that includes a player termination payment and for his work as a GPS statistician.
Dwyer hasn’t played since ripping five nerves from his spinal column during a match at Campbelltown in 2011.
The Daily Telegraph last week revealed that Dwyer had received little support from the NRL or Rugby League Players Association since suffering the injury. He might consider legal action in a bid to receive compensation.
The Tigers are ready to further help Dwyer, having already paid more than $100,000 in medical costs.
Dwyer has been paying 9.25 per cent of his wage into a superannuation fund. That is paid quarterly.
A former forward, Dwyer’s management will also look at the state government’s sporting injures insurance act. That is a fund in which sporting organisations can pay premiums and then apply for a benefit.
Applications go to a committee, which then determines whether the injury falls under the act. Injured players can be compensated in a lump sum of up to $171,000.
With Dwyer’s injury, it is understood his maximum payout through worker’s compensation would be about $50,000.
Legal sources claim Dwyer would struggle to win a case should he accuse the Tigers of being negligent after the injury occurred.
Dwyer has a brachial plexus injury and has no movement or feeling in his right arm.
There are suggestions former Wests Tigers CEO Steve Humphreys offered Dwyer a job for life. The club is yet to determine when, if or how the offer was made.
RLPA chief executive David Garnsey could not be contacted.
GNR4LIFE
Well-known member
Disappointing that it took this incident with McKinnon and a journo to shine a light on it for the club to act. Regardless of what happens here they stuffed up and all this would never have happened if it wasn't for McKinnon.
Of course they had to react to the journos article. Would be bad PR if they didn't.
Of course they had to react to the journos article. Would be bad PR if they didn't.
T
tigerbalm
Guest
It is a bit reactive by the club/NRL but at the end of the day as long as the kid is looked after I am happy.
He's only 25 now? Imagine what we would be doing out of him for the next 3 years if he was playing…such a shitty thing to happen.
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He's only 25 now? Imagine what we would be doing out of him for the next 3 years if he was playing…such a shitty thing to happen.
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innsaneink
Well-known member
@innsaneink said:
WESTS Tigers will honour former club big man Simon Dwyer with a benefit night at Wests Leagues Club on Friday, August 1.
Dwyer, of Macquarie Fields, suffered a devastating brachial plexus injury in 2011 in a match against the Bulldogs at Campbelltown Stadium.
He has not regained full use or feeling in his right arm.
The former backrower is signed to a three-year contract with the club which expires in October. He works with the club’s sports science department and its under-20s side. He also has had an assistant role with the City Origin team under coach Brad Fittler.
Simon Dwyer being congratulated by teammates after scoring a try.
Simon Dwyer being congratulated by teammates after scoring a try.
Dwyer is looking forward to sharing the night with his family and friends.
“I can’t wait to thank the fan base enough for their support,” he said. “It will also be great to thank the people who have helped me out along the way.” The event, hosted by former Tiger Joel Caine, promises to be a fitting tribute to one of the game’s true gentlemen.
There will be plenty of auction items, and spots by comedian Paul Martell and last year’s The X Factor runner-up Taylor Henderson, as well as special guests Beau Ryan and Brad Fittler.
Dwyer said he hoped he could remain with the Wests Tigers after his contract expires. “That would be my preference,” he said.
If not, Dwyer may have to look at his options, which would include speaking to other NRL clubs or starting a personal business such as a gym.
TIGERS: 35 NRL games 2009-11, six tries
CITY ORIGIN: 2011; one game, one try
BENEFIT: Tickets cost $120; to book a seat call 4915 2345
Originally published as Tribute for a gentle giant
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/macarthur/ingleburns-ex-wests-tiger-simon-dwyer-to-be-honoured-in-tribute-dinner-ar-wests-leagues-club/story-fngr8h70-1226975391111
