LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Recent findings by the Rugby League Players' Association (RLPA) have uncovered alarming trends regarding concussions and training practices within the NRL and NRLW. These revelations heighten worries about player safety, especially following several notable incidents.
The RLPA's 2025 Annual Player Survey indicates that 60 percent of NRL players admitted to continuing training even after suspecting they had a concussion. This points to a significant oversight in a system primarily aimed at safeguarding players during matches.
The survey, which included responses from 552 male players and 301 female players, provides the most comprehensive insight into the sport's approach to concussion issues.
Among the most concerning results were:
• One in three NRL players did not report experiencing concussion symptoms during training, reflecting a 24 percent increase from the previous year.
• Two-thirds of male players continued to participate in training while believing they were concussed.
• One in eight NRLW players did not report their symptoms, marking a 100 percent increase from the last year.