3 months ago
10
Struggling to comprehend his downward spiral after a life-altering training session now the subject of a multi-million dollar Supreme Court action, Lloyd Perrett was allegedly told there was nothing wrong with him.
“The plaintiff’s mental health deteriorated by reason of his concern at his physical deterioration and how that would affect his future while at the same time being told by the Club’s personnel that there was nothing wrong with him and that nothing could be done about it,” according to Perrett’s statement of claim, lodged with the Supreme Court on Monday.
Given he has just launched a legal action, Perrett has most certainly done something about it. As to whether there is something wrong with Perrett, and whether former employer Manly was negligent during a contentious pre-season workout at the Narrabeen Sports Complex on November 6, 2017, that is the $5 million question.
Perrett claims he suffered exertional heatstroke, heat stress-induced seizure and psychiatric injury after participating in running sessions in which he was deprived of water. The former Bulldogs prop said he was never the same player or person after being in “a comatose state for two days”, and revealed he had considered taking his own life after his career was cut short prematurely.
It’s not the only league-related matter before the Supreme Court. Former Canterbury forward Jackson Topine is suing the Bulldogs, claiming he was subjected to “assault” when forced to wrestle up to 35 teammates during a training session last year. The Bulldogs have vowed to vigorously defend the matter. Meanwhile, over in the UK, more than 1000 rugby union and rugby league players have launched a concussion class action.
Such lawsuits have raised fears that it’s only a matter of time before doctors and lawyers kill off rugby league as we know it. However, it’s important to distinguish between the concussion cases – which are facing their own challenges – and alleged negligence off the field.
Jackson Topine, Keith Titmuss and Lloyd Perrett.Credit: Bethany Rae
Only last month, the judge presiding over the concussion class action in the UK blasted the lawyer bringing the claim, accusing him of a “complete misunderstanding of his responsibilities” and having “a problem with the English language.” Senior Master Jeremy Cook said that medical records were missing in about 90 per cent of cases, in a huge setback for the plaintiffs.
Closer to home, the most famous concussion case was brought by former Newcastle Knights winger James McManus. After seeking a $1 million payout, McManus said he was “broken” after the NRL in 2021 stated the matter “has been resolved in the Knights’ favour.” The Australian Rugby League Commission has also withstood a legal challenge launched by premiership-winning prop Michael Greenfield over its handling of shoulder charges.
Perrett’s action, in part, was inspired by former Sea Eagles teammate Keith Titmuss. A coronial inquest last year found Titmuss died of exertional heatstroke after a training session in November 2020 that was “more likely than not inappropriate”.
The coroner’s recommendations included that the NRL consider a graduated 14-day return-to-training program for players after extended breaks, such as the off-season, individual programs for players given their characteristics, and medical personnel on standby for sessions in which heat illness is a greater risk. Those recommendations came seven years after the Perrett incident.
Lloyd Perrett of Manly is assisted from the field during a game in 2017.Credit: Getty
“I spoke to an occupational therapist, and they said it’s survivor’s guilt,” Perrett told this masthead in May 2024.
“When I saw the ‘Keithy’ thing, it was the last straw. That was reaffirmed to me and told me, ‘You have to do this.’ It’s not about yourself, don’t worry about what people are going to say. You need to improve this for players in the future.’”
The lawyers acting for Perrett, Carter Capner, on Tuesday issued a media release declaring the front-rower’s career was ended by an “outlandish training regime.”
Loading
Given Perrett was on a contract worth $500,000 a year at the time, and could have potentially had a decade-long NRL career, the claim amount is expected to be in the vicinity of $5 million.
“Given he was a very successful player at such an early stage of his career with arguably many good years ahead of him, the potential damages are well into the millions of dollars,” said Carter Capner director Peter Carter.
While McManus didn’t get the financial outcome he wanted, he felt his lawsuit still served a purpose.
“If anything [positive] has come out of it, there has been a microscope put on it, the risks are better communicated,” McManus said in 2021. “There is so much at stake.”
McManus felt it was all worth it because he brought attention to an important player welfare issue. Perrett has just done the same.
NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now
Most Viewed in Sport
Loading
