{"id":71296,"date":"2025-08-15T22:48:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T22:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/71296\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T22:48:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T22:48:11","slug":"footy-star-explains-what-really-happens-when-players-go-off-the-field-following-a-head-knock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/71296\/","title":{"rendered":"Footy star explains what REALLY happens when players go off the field following a head knock"},"content":{"rendered":"

Chad Townsend revealed concussion processDetailed testing in the sheds after head knocksHalfback, 34, will retire at the end of the season<\/p>\n

By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA<\/a> <\/p>\n

Published: 17:51 EDT, 15 August 2025 | Updated: 17:51 EDT, 15 August 2025 <\/p>\n

Sydney Roosters star Chad Townsend has revealed the detailed process all players undergo once they are concussed during an\u00a0NRL<\/a> match.<\/p>\n

Townsend, 34, who recently announced he is retiring at the end of the season<\/a>, explained what happens in the sheds.<\/p>\n

Responding to a question from one of his Instagram followers on The Chad Townsend Show<\/a>, the premiership-winning halfback started by saying if a player is instantly ruled out due to severe concussion, they are not required do the test.<\/p>\n

‘Once you first get into the sheds they determine your category,’ he said.<\/p>\n

‘Then you have to remember a series of words….(from memory) they are jacket, saddle, gold, diamond, fish and wagon.<\/p>\n

‘You do that twice and then they ask you to count the months backwards, starting from December.<\/p>\n

\"Sydney <\/p>\n

Sydney Roosters star Chad Townsend has revealed the detailed process players undergo once they are concussed during an NRL match<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The halfback responded to a question surrounding head knocks from one of his podcast followers on The Chad Townsend Show<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The premiership-winning no.7 with the Sharks recently announced he is retiring at the end of the season (pictured, with his family)<\/p>\n

‘Next they ask (more common questions) like where are we, what day is it and what is the (NRL) score.’<\/p>\n

The testing doesn’t end there, with a number sequence activity before the players are required to walk in a straight line and do a series of balance drills.<\/p>\n

If cleared, the players generally return to the field in 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

Townsend is one of only five halfbacks to win a premiership in the past decade, alongside Nathan Cleary, Jahrome Hughes, Cooper Cronk and Johnathan Thurston.<\/p>\n

The No.7 played a key role in Cronulla’s 2016 success, helping the Sharks break their 50-year drought and lift the NRL trophy for the first time.<\/p>\n

Townsend signed with the Roosters this year, playing the opening month of the\u00a0 season for the Tricolours before being dropped to NSW Cup.<\/p>\n

The club have Sam Walker and Hugo Savala slated as their long-term halves, while Daly Cherry-Evans is expected to be a high-profile addition in 2026.<\/p>\n

‘Chad’s NRL journey speaks volumes about his character, professionalism and passion for rugby league,’ Roosters coach Trent Robinson said once Townsend’s pending retirement was confirmed.<\/p>\n

‘His career is matched by the respect he has earned from his teammates and coaches for his work ethic, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.<\/p>\n

‘Although we have only had one season together, Chad’s love for the game and approach to the sport have really stood out.’<\/p>\n

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\n Footy star explains what REALLY happens when players go off the field following a head knock<\/p>\n