LEIGH LEOPARDS owner Derek Beaumont has released a passionate statement following an issue that saw Tom Amone be stood down for the club’s clash against Castleford Tigers last night.
Amone had been named in Leigh’s 21-man squad for the Super League fixture, but he was withdrawn from Adrian Lam’s matchday playing squad with the club going through the head injury protocols following last week’s win over St Helens.
The Tongan powerhouse did not leave the field during that game for a HIA, but, having reviewed footage, the Leopards chose to stand Amone down for the Castleford clash after it revealed that the 28-year-old should have left the pitch.
Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont has now released a statement, with Sky Sports last night incorrectly stating that Amone had been stood down by the governing body: “As a club we are proud of our medical team and the important role that they play in our club protecting our biggest asset, our players.
“We are privileged to have within that team multi-skilled clinicians who specialise in emergency and neuro-surgical care. We are also extremely supportive of the focus and support that is provided by the governing body.
“It is part of our process that the doctor reviews incidents on replay throughout the game and can assess players during interchanges and half time, as well as post match. It is also part of that process that the doctor liaises with the on-field physio who assesses the player physically and through the question process.
“During our normal review from our medical team, in conjunction with the RFL medical team, which is part of a normal process viewing different footage that provided a wider angle, our medical team unanimously agreed that it was in the best interests of the player to stand him down and follow a concussion protocol, including attending neurological assessment.
“This incident demonstrates that both the sport and the club have processes in place that are robust in protecting player welfare. Rugby players are tough individuals who often want to remain on the field and be available for selection and we take pride in protecting them above and beyond any impact that has on the performance of the overall team.
“That decision will always be made solely and without influence by our head of medical and would never be challenged under any circumstances.”
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