Concussion in rugby league: James Graham, Stevie Ward, Tyrone McCarthy, Greg Burke and Tom Johnstone on experiences | Rugby League News

Former St Helens forward James Graham spoke as part of a roundtable also involving Stevie Ward, Tom Johnstone, Tyrone McCarthy and Greg Burke; watch the discussion throughout February 2 on Sky Sports News

James Graham believes a cultural change in rugby league is needed if the sport is to get to grips with the issues surrounding concussion.

The former England and England international forward suffered 100 concussions during his 17-year playing career on these shores and in Australia, and since his retirement has been heavily involved in campaigns to raise awareness of head injuries and their long-term effects.

Speaking is part of a Sky Sports News In a roundtable discussion with four current players and another former player, Graham told how an MRI scan showed a reduction in volume in one area of ​​the brain and about dark spots on one side that doctors believed were caused by repeated concussions, and wanted to change. led by those who play and coach the sport.

“We have a huge emphasis on winning and performance culture, we don’t have an emphasis on health culture,” said Graham. “Maybe it’s just tipping the scales a bit for the health aspect of the sport.

“Concussion is on the mind of anyone who participates in sports at this time. It’s all very good and good, the best neurologists in the world tell us about the dangers of concussion and continue to play.

“But from a player’s and athlete’s point of view, we understand the pressure and the sacrifices that have been made.

“It’s about bringing a lot of game stakeholders together with us.”

James Graham has been an advocate for concussion awareness since his retirement from playing

Chaired by Stevie Ward, the former Leeds Rhinos captain who was forced to retire aged 27 due to the effects of concussion, the discussion included former Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy, current Catalans Dragons winger Tom Johnstone and Greg Burke, now playing for Betfred Championship side Barrow. Raiders, as well as Graham.

Prop Burke, who represents hometown club Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils in the Betfred Super League, recalls how concussions were not seen as something to deal with at the start of his career.

“We were taught hell for the skin,” Burke said. “I had a pretty bad concussion when I was snoring on the floor, and I went out and talked to the kids and always asked questions. [something] 15 times in 15 minutes.

“I can’t remember anything and they were all laughing, and I don’t know what they were laughing at.

Greg Burke talks about his concussion experience

“Looking back with an older head, it’s not a good thing for a young kid because I just went through it and everyone laughed, and it’s a culture of the game where you get yourself. what’s right and do it for your friends.

“But if as friends, we can say ‘I know you’re tough, but I know you’re not right and don’t ignore it, just be careful – you’re better for us when you’re on top of your game”

McCarthy is currently an academy coach with his old club Warrington Wolves, having been forced to close the curtain on his playing career due to concussion while playing for Leigh Centurions during the 2021 season.

As one of those who are now responsible for the next generation of players, the 34-year-old is aware of the need to ensure an environment is created where concussions are taken seriously and that players can be honest about what they suffer from headaches.

Tyrone McCarthy is currently coaching after retiring from concussion

“That’s probably the biggest challenge we’re going to face,” McCarthy said. “Talking about young children, they need to know that they are sick or hurt, but with a concussion that can be different.

“At Warrington we have medical staff at every session to make sure they watch all contact and pull players out if necessary.

“We have to build that environment where the players feel it’s okay to say ‘I don’t feel right’, and as coaches we have to believe what the players say.”

Head injuries remain a huge problem for both codes of rugby, with recent research showing experiencing three or more concussions has been linked to worsened brain function in later life, and Ward hopes that discussion will lead to positive results.

“That, for me, was the starting point,” Ward said. “Where we can talk openly and move forward towards the best version of the game we love.”

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