American star Chris Nowinski has torched NRL players over threats of a revolt against boss Peter Vlandys.
Reports emerged this weekend that there is unrest and anger from the biggest stars in the game towards Vlandys and the claimed lack of communication before the NRLs sudden rule changes and crackdown on foul play before Magic Round in Brisbane.
One report went as far to claim players are threatening a revolt against Vlandys and will discuss further options during the lead up to State of Origin Game 1 on June 9.
Vlandys has always maintained he will never back down from the leagues new stance on all forms of high contract and dangerous play, saying the league had a duty of care to protect its players from concussion-related Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Nowinski, a college football player, former WWE star and leading neuroscientist, grilled the players considering action against the NRL for making moves to clean the sport up.
He posted support for Vlandys on Twitter and gave the players a reality check.
Unbelievable. A league head leads reforms so pros can enjoy the remainder of their lives with their families & they revolt? he Nowinksi wrote.
Can I intro these stars to the wives & children of men who had #CTE please?
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Oregon Kaufusi undergoes a head injury assessment.Source: Getty Images
I take issue with the idea that they are all aware of the risk they are taking. Scientists dont even know the risks #NRL players are taking, but its been too easy to find #CTE in former players thus far. With players now bigger, stronger & faster, modern game may be worse.
Nowinski is a world leader in the field of CTE and the disturbing research into the quality of life enjoyed by athletes who have suffered the brain disease.
The Daily Telegraphs Phil Rothfield on Monday morning played down the players revolt, saying no player had been willing to put their name to the so-called unrest behind the scenes.
Vlandys said earlier this month: The welfare of the players is at stake.
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This is for the future of the game. Any administrator in a contact sport that doesnt address concussion, theyre doing the wrong thing if we dont do it now, in ten or fifteen years there wont be a game.
General president of the RLPA Daly Cherry-Evans said after his teams win over the Knights on Sunday: He has always said he is the players man, right now I would like to see Peter be that man for us.
Thats not for me to decide. Thats a massive call. Were talking about someone who has done so much in their industries. He is obviously an extremely qualified businessman and I have so much respect for what he did in the Covid period.
Do I think he should go? No. Thats not for me to say, no way.