Newcastle may have some explaining to do after star forward Tyson Frizell was allowed to return to the field in the first half against Parramatta despite showing clear signs of heavy concussion.
Frizell got his head caught in the wrong position attempting to tackle Reagan Campbell Gillard early in the first half and immediately bounced out of the collision onto his back.
The Knights backrower was slow to his feet and his balance appeared hindered as he stumbled into teammate Jayden Brayley trying to retreat back to the defensive line.
Play was then stopped to allow Newcastle's trainer to assess Frizell, who stunningly was allowed to stay on the field, making another two tackles before finally being taken from the field for a head injury assessment.
The sentiment was that Frizell's afternoon was over given the way he responded to the collision with Campbell-Gillard.
“Given the way he reacted when he got back to his feet, all the indications were of a concussion. That should be game over, unfortunately, for Tyson Frizell,” Fox League commentator Warren Smith said in the broadcast.
However, to the surprise of many, he was able to return to the field minutes later after reportedly passing his HIA.
Anyone got the name of the doctor who cleared Tyson Frizell? I'll keep him on file next time I need some prescription meds or a positive medical opinion.
— Nick Tedeschi (@Tedeschi8181) September 12, 2021
Tyson Frizell being allowed to stay on after that hit 🤯 man can’t walk straight #NRLEelsKnights
— Cath Durkin (@CDurkinFOX) September 12, 2021
So we’re sweet with Frizell playing on after clearly being concussed? How does that work?
— cody kaye (@Cody_KayeFOX) September 12, 2021
How is Frizell allowed to play on? Are they serious @9_Moley
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) September 12, 2021