The NRL's fight against concussion is continuing to prove a colossal task, with Cronulla Sharks star Josh Dugan, North Queensland veteran Justin O'Neill and Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi all failing a head injury assessment in today's match.
In another alarming sign of just how rife head injuries are in the NRL this season, a total of five players left play for an HIA during the Netstrata Jubilee Stadium clash: Dugan, O'Neill, Taulagi, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Jordan McLean.
While Mulitalo and McLean both passed their HIA, Dugan and O'Neill were ruled out of the match after colliding in a nasty clash in the 22nd minute, while Taulagi didn't return after suffering a blow in the 40th minute.
The incident involving Dugan and O'Neill occurred when they clashed heads in a tackle as O'Neill was returning the ball from deep Cowboys territory.
"Gee, the doc will be busy later on, sewing a few of these blokes up," said Balmain Tigers great Steve Roach on Fox League's coverage.
The Sharks' loss of Dugan to a failed HIA followed the loss of three of their players to failed HIAs in their match against the Parramatta Eels last week.
Wade Graham, Briton Nikora and Will Kennedy all failed an HIA during Cronulla's 28-4 defeat at the hands of Parramatta in round three.
"It's a remarkable run for a club given what we saw last week," commentator Warren Smith said.
"I guess the Sharks are well practiced now in throwing all hands to and having forwards play in the backline."
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