Fans urged to end Run It Straight trend after ‘appalling' scenes at NRL game
A leading concussion expert has urged NRL fans to bring an end to the 'Run It Straight' trend after vision surfaced from the crowd at a Manly Sea Eagles game over the weekend.
The death of a New Zealand teenager last week shone a spotlight on the dangerous activity.
But the viral craze has shown no signs of slowing down, with security reportedly stepping in when fans ran at each other on the hill at Brookvale Oval late in Manly's win over Brisbane on Saturday.
Sea Eagles chief executive Tony Mestrov has already revealed anyone found to have been involved will be banned.
Dr Alan Pearce, who has worked with NRL players on concussions, said he is 'still speechless'.
'I'm pretty appalled by what we're seeing and I'm really concerned about the health of the people undertaking this activity,' he told Sunrise.
'There's no medical attention nearby if something happened.'
Pearce said it was made worse by the apparent levels of intoxication.
'Beer and head injuries do not mix,' he said.
'This is what we're seeing now and this is something we've been concerned about surrounding the Run It events.
'Things like this will be happening everywhere now and they're not checked properly. That's the concern.'
While some of those filmed participating at the NRL game appeared to be grown men, Pearce said he fears for kids and even young adults involved in the trend.
'The damage to a young brain is potentially profound and catastrophic,' he said.
'With young people, kids up to the age of 20, there's a risk of what we call 'second impact syndrome'.
'Even though you might get a hit to the head and not necessarily think that there's anything going on, having a second hit to the head in a rapid time period after — it might be a few minutes, it could be 15 minutes — could be potentially life-threatening.
'This is something we are really worried about.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
England's Vegas hiding by Australia did damage: coach
Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game. Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game. Former England women's rugby league head coach Craig Richards believes the 90-4 humiliation by Australia in Las Vegas in March did "a lot of damage" to the perception of the sport in this country. His side's march to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup had a surge of interest in the women's game and led indirectly to a number of star England players landing historic contracts in the fully professional NRL. Richards, who announced his departure from the England job in an emotional press conference after their last defeat to New Zealand, hopes the chastening experience in the US will act as a timely wake-up call for the domestic game. "Social media-wise, it did a lot of damage," said Richards of the Las Vegas clash, which was bolted onto an international program that also saw the start of the men's NRL season and the Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington. "I don't think it was a true reflection of where we are at. I'm not saying we're anywhere close to beating the Aussies, but I also don't believe there is a 90-point gap. "Internally it didn't harm us, but it made us question whether we are resting a little bit, and if we need to dig in a little bit deeper. I think the women's game is still in a good place, but we don't hide from the fact that there is still a lot to be done." After leaving the international set-up, Richards returned to St Helens where he succeeded Matty Smith as women's joint head coach alongside Derek Hardman for the start of the current campaign. He will lead Saints out at Wembley on Saturday as they bid for their fifth successive women's Challenge Cup win against Wigan, in a match Richards hopes will serve as a timely reminder of the strength of the English women's game.
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Aussie Matt Dufty bans mum from Challenge Cup Final
Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us." Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us." Warrington full-back Matt Dufty has banned his mum from this weekend's Challenge Cup final at Wembley because she has never seen him win. Dufty's dad Glenn is planning to jet in from Australia in the hope of watching his son lift major silverware for the first time, but mum Leonie is under strict instructions to stay at home. "My mum hasn't seen me win yet," laughed Dufty. "She's come over and watched me seven times and we've lost all seven. So she's not allowed to come this week." The 29-year-old Dufty, who joined the Wolves midway through the 2022 season, has emerged as an increasingly important component in a side whose spine has been ravaged by injuries during this campaign. He was coached by his dad from an early age and earned rave reviews in the NRL, but is still missing the major trophy that he believes will make all his family's early sacrifices worthwhile. "My dad's coming over for the game because he didn't get the opportunity to come and watch me play last year," added Dufty. "He's been a big part of my rugby league journey and he came out to watch me play in Las Vegas earlier this year, but he hasn't seen me lift anything professionally. "So if I could get some silverware whilst he's watching I think it would be special for me and for our family." Despite scoring his side's opening try, Dufty endured a final to forget last season when he was sin-binned after just five minutes and Warrington never fully recovered as they slid to an 18-8 defeat to Wigan. But he has continued to emerge as one of Super League's star playmakers this season, assuming extra responsibility during long injury lay-offs for the likes of captain George Williams and hooker Danny Walker. "It's been a bit of a different year and while I probably haven't had the same impact on the team, I feel like I've grown into a different role," added Dufty, who played for St George Illawarra and Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL. "For me it's been about learning and growing as a player and doing what's best for the team. I've learned a lot about myself as a player and a leader." Having started in the game at the age of four after he was rejected for a soccer camp, Dufty grew up as a keen scholar of the game on both sides of the world, and can think of few better scenarios than capping his career with a Challenge Cup winners' medal. "It was always something we watched back home," added Dufty. "Then when you come over you realise how important the Challenge Cup is to English culture and how much prestige is behind it. "Last year I got to experience it first-hand and it wasn't the way we wanted it, but we've got another chance two years in a row and the experience we gained from 2024 is going to be massive for us."
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Queensland legend Gorden Tallis calls out Blues enforcer Spencer Leniu
Maroons legend Gorden Tallis has called out Blues bench enforcer Spencer Leniu for coming on 'after all the tough stuff is done'. Tallis dared NSW to pick Leniu as injured prop Mitch Barnett's replacement in the starting side for Game 2 and play him for 80 minutes. FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every game of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer > It comes in the wake of Queensland controversially not kicking off to Leniu in the series opener to avoid having to tackle the fresh front-rower charging off the back fence. That was after the state's biggest newspaper, The Courier Mail, ran a back page photo of Leniu the day before the game with the headline 'Smash this Blues Grub'. 'I think Spencer Leniu should start and play 80 minutes,' Tallis said on NRL 360 on Wednesday night, which prompted chuckles from his fellow panellists. 'What, can't he play 80 minutes?' 'Will they kick off to him?' James Hooper fired back. Tallis replied: 'Yeah absolutely. If he comes on and starts with those guys in the middle, I'm sure you'd kick to him. '(Instead he) comes on after all the tough stuff is done, after 25 minutes. Start him and play him 80 minutes.' 'You're suggesting he ducks the hard stuff,' Dave Riccio said. 'I never said that. What's so hard? The game goes for 80 minutes,' Tallis responded. 'Why would he play 80 minutes?' Braith Anasta asked. 'Because that's how long the game goes for,' Tallis said. 'If you guys didn't duck the hard stuff you would have kicked the ball to him. What front-rower in the game plays 80 minutes?' Hooper said. 'Payne Haas does. Don't bag your own teammates,' Tallis said sarcastically. 'I'd pick him and play him 80 minutes but all of you three said he can't. They've got no faith in you, Spencer.' 'You're suggesting he's not tough enough,' Riccio said. 'It's only 80 minutes,' Tallis reiterated. 'But he's only playing 25 off the bench,' Riccio replied. 'Oh right, cool,' Tallis said again sarcastically. The Courier Mail headline came six weeks after Leniu's verbal spat with Maroons legend Johnathan Thurston at Suncorp Stadium, the same venue that hosted Game 1. Leniu's hostility centred around Thurston's comments on the Roosters hard man's eight-game ban for calling Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam a 'monkey' in Round 1 last year. Mam was then suspended for nine games this season after being responsible for a drug-driving car crash that injured several people.
