Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has released a statement to offer insight into why Tom Amone did not play against Castleford Tigers last night following confusion over his status.
Prop forward Amone did not feature in Leigh’s 20-10 victory over Castleford Tigers despite being named in the 21-man squad on Tuesday.
It had been suggested by Sky Sports that the sport’s governing body, the RFL, had stood Amone down but Adrian Lam confirmed last night in his post-match presser that it was a club decision.
He explained: “As a medical team and with the doctor at our club, we reviewed some different footage from the game, from different angles, and in the best interest and welfare of Tom, the medical group made the decision to follow the protocols of the HIA, because we didn’t have that vision there.
Amone had suffered a bruising collision early on against St Helens but was deemed fine to continue before being brought off later in the game. As referenced above by Lam, Leigh Leopards took the decision to stand him down after reviewing further angles.
Club owner Derek Beaumont has now clarified that, explaining: “As a club, we are proud of our medical team and the important role that they play in our club protecting our biggest asset, our players.
“We are privileged to have within that team multi-skilled clinicians who specialise in emergency and neurosurgical care. We are also extremely supportive of the focus and support that is provided by the governing body.
“It is part of our process that the doctor reviews incidents on replay throughout the game and can assess players during interchanges and half time, as well as post match. It is also part of that process that the doctor liaises with the on-field physio who assesses the player physically and through the question process.
“During our normal review from our medical team, in conjunction with the RFL medical team, which is part of a normal process viewing different footage that provided a wider angle, our medical team unanimously agreed that it was in the best interests of the player to stand him down and follow a concussion protocol, including attending neurological assessment.
“This incident demonstrates that both the sport and the club have processes in place that are robust in protecting player welfare. Rugby players are tough individuals who often want to remain on the field and be available for selection and we take pride in protecting them above and beyond any impact that has on the performance of the overall team.
“That decision will always be made solely and without influence by our head of medical and would never be challenged under any circumstances.”
Amone will head to the NRL at the end of the year having signed a two-year deal with Canterbury Bulldogs. Leigh’s decision to stand him down and put him under HIA protocols means that he will also miss Tuesday’s match against Wigan Warriors.
Be the first to comment