Rugby League: Hoffman fine after head knock

Greg Bird of the Titans checks on Ryan Hoffman of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Warriors second-rower Ryan Hoffman is feeling no ill-effects from a head knock suffered in last weekend's game against the Gold Coast Titans and declared himself a certain starter in next Saturday's away clash with the Cronulla Sharks.

Hoffman was on the receiving end of a high tackle from Titans forward Greg Bird early in the second half of last Saturday's match at Mt Smart Stadium and had to be assisted from the field by a trainer and Warriors team doctor Doc Mayhew.

The club continued to monitor his condition this week and Hoffman successfully passed all of their in-house testing procedures.

"It looked a hell of a lot worse than what it actually was," Hoffman said.

"I've gone through all the protocols, I've done everything the club and medical staff have required from me so I'm feeling fine now.

"We do all our tests and they monitor symptoms and me throughout the week and I'm good. If I had to play this week I would have been fine."

Hoffman believes the NRL's crack down on concussion is working and backed Mayhew's sideline assessment that saw him immediately ruled out of taking any further part in the match.

"It looked a bit dramatic and it's quite topical at the moment but the doctor made the correct call," he said.

"He assessed straight away that I wasn't ready to go back on so it just shows that these new systems and protocols that the NRL is putting in for player welfare and safety is working."

He believes players now have a better understanding of the dangers of head knocks and were becoming more accepting of the NRL guidelines.

"I'd say [they are] understanding of the situation and understanding of what needs to be done.

"Sure, the player might be feeling fine and he can argue and protest but deep down the player knows that this is for the best.

"He might not be happy about it at the time but if you look back in 10 years you'll realise that that's correct.

"That's what all the players are starting to realise, that these (guidelines) are put in for our safety and for our future."

However, Hoffman does not agree with talk of introducing mandatory stand down periods for concussed players and believes the current follow-up procedures provide an accurate read on a player's condition.

"To have mandatory stand-downs for everyone who gets a head knock isn't the way to go. If players are failing these tests, yeah, 100 per cent stand them down.

"But if you don't need to I think that's going a bit too far, personally."

Meanwhile, Hoffman said the Warriors were working hard through this week's representative round to regain their confidence following back to back defeats to the Cowboys and Titans.

"We've lost a couple on the trot now and we've lost them from winning positions.
"No one is panicking but we certainly have to address these issues now rather than get to round 15 or 16 and realise, 'hang on, we've got to fight for our top eight spot here'.

"These things are being addressed, individuals are addressing their own personal games because that's what the team needs for us to go forward."