NSWRL will introduce new concussion protocols into all its competitions this season, including an 18th man concussion substitution and a mandatory stand-down period of 14 days, in the interests of player welfare and safety.
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This will include Group Three
NSWRL general manager-football, Barrie-Jon Mather said the decision was made in the off-season following a comprehensive review of concussion policies and procedures.
"We are just trying to increase the level of care and err on the side of caution when it comes to head knocks and concussions," Mather said.
"All sports have taken their guidance from the same experts and the same studies and the NSWRL is doing what they can in the interests of player welfare and safety."
The changes this year will include the introduction of an 18th man concussion substitution, which will allow clubs to carry an additional player on the bench who may be substituted into a game only if another player is ruled out from concussion.
Players who are concussed will also be required to stand down for a period of 14 days and will only be eligible to resume contact training and be considered for selection again after receiving clearance from a specialised concussion doctor.
The new concussion protocols will take effect for the opening round of the Junior Representative competitions (UNE SG Ball Cup, UNE Harold Matthews Cup, Harvey Norman Tarsha Gale Cup) on Saturday February 8 and will be in place for all competitions across the State in 2020.
Group Three chairman Wayne Bridge said the board of directors would meet to discuss the protocols and also other rule changes that would come into place in the 2020 season.
He said the concussion rules would apply to junior and senior matches.
The Group Three competition will start on Saturday May 2.
North Coast under 23s representative side will meet a Canterbury Bulldogs Canterbury Cup selection at the Harry Elliott Oval at Tuncurry on Saturday.
The will be a prelude to the Country Championships to kick off on March 7.
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