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

Former St Helens forward James Graham spoke at a roundtable also attended by Stevie Ward, Tom Johnstone, Tyrone McCarthy and Greg Burke; Watch the discussion on Sky Sports News on February 2nd

James Graham believes a culture change in rugby league is needed if the sport is to tackle the problems surrounding concussion.

The former Great Britain and England striker suffered over 100 concussions in his 17-year playing career on those shores and in Australia and has been heavily involved in campaigns to raise awareness of head injuries and their long-term effects since his retirement.

Speaking in the context of a Sky sports news In a roundtable discussion with four other current and former players, Graham revealed how an MRI scan had shown a reduction in the volume of an area of ​​his brain and dark spots on one side, which doctors believe are caused by repeated concussions and wants to change that, to be led by those who practice and train the sport.

“We place a lot of emphasis on winning culture and performance culture, we don’t value health culture,” said Graham. “It may just tip the scales a little in favor of the health aspect of the sport.

“Concussion is a concern for everyone involved in the sport right now. It’s all very well that the best neurologists in the world are educating us on the dangers of concussion and how to keep playing.

“But from a player and athlete perspective, we know the pressure that comes with it and the sacrifices we’ve made.

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

James Graham has become an advocate for concussion awareness since retiring from gaming

Led by Stevie Ward, the former Leeds Rhinos captain who retired aged 27 due to a concussion, the discussion was joined by former Ireland international Tyrone McCarthy, current Catalans Dragons winger Tom Johnstone and Greg Burke share, who now plays for Barrow, the Betfred Championship club Raiders as well as Graham.

Prop Burke, who represented hometown clubs Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils in the Betfred Super League, recalled that early in his career a concussion wasn’t seen as something to worry about.

“We were taught to give hell for leather,” Burke said. “I got a pretty bad concussion snoring on the floor and I came down and talked to the guys and must have asked them [something] 15 times in 15 minutes.

“I couldn’t remember anything and they were all laughing at me and I didn’t know what they were laughing at.

Greg Burke spoke about his experience with concussions

“When I look back at myself with an older head, that wasn’t a good thing for a young boy because I just went through it and everyone laughed at it and it’s the culture of the game, you empathize with it as right and doing it for your teammates.

“But if we as teammates can say, ‘I know you’re tough, but I know you’re not right and you’re not shirking it, just take care of yourself – you’re better for us when you’re on top are your game.”

McCarthy is now academy manager at his old club Warrington Wolves after being forced to end his playing days due to a concussion he sustained during the 2021 season with Leigh Centurions.

As one of those responsible for the next generation of players, the 34-year-old is aware of the need to create an environment where concussions are taken seriously and players can honestly say if they have suffered a head injury.

Tyrone McCarthy is now training after retiring with a concussion

“That’s probably the ultimate challenge going forward,” McCarthy said. “When we’re talking about young children, they need to understand if they’re hurt or injured, but it’s probably different with a concussion.

“At Warrington we have medical staff at every session to ensure they are observing all contacts and pulling players out if necessary.

“We have to create those environments where players feel comfortable saying ‘I don’t feel right’ and as coaches we have to trust what the players are saying.”

Head injuries remain a major problem for both rugby codes. Recent research shows that experiencing three or more concussions is associated with deterioration in brain function later in life, and Ward hopes such discussions will lead to a positive outcome.

“That’s a starting point for me,” Ward said. “Where we start an open conversation and make progress towards the best version of the game we love.”

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