Former NRL player Kevin Proctor suffers knockout during RUNIT event month after teenager dies doing same challenge

Sky News AU

a day ago

A former NRL player has suffered a scary knockout during a controversial run it straight event in the Middle East, a month after a teenager in New Zealand died doing the same challenge.
Former NRL player Kevin Proctor has suffered a scary knockout in a run it straight contest with social media influencer Jordan Simi at RUNIT 02 in Dubai, as many call the stunt stupid and dangerous.
The run it straight trend, which is growing in popularity, involves people directly running into each other as hard as they can.
In sickening footage, the former rugby league player collided with his ball-carrying opponent Simi, resulting in a huge collision.
Proctor came off second best and was left dazed after being flattened in the contest, his head flat on the surface and his legs stiff. — NRLCentral (@centralNRL) June 29, 2025
The incident caused immediate concern among organisers, spectators, medics, and his opponent.
After the footage went online it left many people bemused by the 'stupid' RUNIT game, which offers $200,000 in prize money for first place.
'Wtf how is this a thing,' one said on X.
'This stupid 'sport' should be banned and made illegal,' another added.
'Stupid and dangerous,' a third said.
The trend has gained popularity in Australia and New Zealand and has drawn significant criticism.
The game originated through the Australian-based RUNIT Championship League competition.
The challenge took a dark turn after a New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically died after attempting to run it straight.
The 19-year-old suffered a serious head injury when he did it at a property in May.
The RUNIT event has not convinced trauma clinicians, despite medical staff on site for participants.
Neuroscientist Dr Helen Murray told the NZ Herald she does not 'support' the high-risk challenge.
'There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There's no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,' she said.
Australian neurologist Dr Alan Pearce said it's simply 'insanity'.
'It's insanity. You're removing the skill and strategy and replacing it with blunt force,' he said.
Proctor played 283 NRL games for the Gold Coast Titans and Melbourne Storm, and 22 Test matches for New Zealand.
He was sacked in 2022 after posting himself vaping in the CommBank Stadium toilets during a game for the Titans.
Vaping is not permitted in or around the ground. Consequently, his club labelled his actions 'dumb' and fined him $15,000 and proceeded to later tear up his playing contract.
Proctor was also fined $20,000 and banned for four games by the Titans after he allegedly purchased and consumed cocaine with Jesse Bromwich in 2017.