But it was, there were medical studies done about high impact collisions causing damage to the brain, maybe not directly from rugby league but the NFL and other sports this was either dismissed or not known about by the rfl. Blaming players is poor form they almost certainly did not go into the gain knowing there's a real risk of them suffering in later life with brain issues! And if you believe that it's common sense then you're saying the rfl n clubs knew the risks they were putting their players through but did nothing to protect their health, and are certainly liable for the damage caused.

Not sure I'm "blaming players" as such, the issue does of course go back many years so I don't buy it that nobody knew then. Astle's case was highly publicised 2002 on...

Now the players supposedly know the "real risk" how many are cutting their careers short and walking away? same for soccer?? Same for riding Motorbikes where the authorities are constantly reminding weekend bikers of the instant death toll. I respectfully disagree that the RFL and Clubs are "certainly" liable?? What could the game have reasonably done to prevent this issue??? . As you indicate certainly not head guards as that doesn't work.......

Sadly Stevie Ward provided the impetus for players to think twice if they wanted to carry on in the game given the risks, risks highlighted by Mick Shoebottom years ago...