LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Penrith's coach Ivan Cleary expressed frustration over the NRL's decision to bench Scott Sorensen during their preliminary final loss, labeling it a "huge call." This decision came despite Sorensen passing a mid-game head injury assessment.
Following their narrow 16-14 defeat to Brisbane, which ended their impressive premiership run, the Panthers have chosen not to lodge an official complaint with the NRL.
Sorensen was injured in a head clash with teammate Blaize Talagi just two minutes into the match at Suncorp Stadium, necessitating his immediate exit from the game.
An independent NRL doctor determined that Sorensen displayed category-one symptoms, disqualifying him from both the match and any potential grand final appearance should the Panthers advance.
However, the Panthers' medical team assessed Sorensen afterward, concluding that he was fit enough to observe the rest of the match from the sidelines.
Due to the NRL's concussion protocols, he was not permitted to re-enter the game, leaving the Panthers to compete for most of the match with one player short.
"It's a huge call, especially when he passes his HIA," Cleary lamented.