Kev: I need my head examined
SOME will claim that Kev Brown needs his head examined to still be playing one of the most brutal sports in the world at the age of 36. Particularly in light of the Salford halfback’s many concussions and head knocks over his 19-year career.
But the oldest player in Super League insists there’s one big reason he’s happy to play on – and that’s the fact that he does regularly have his head tested.
He said: “I see a neurologist every year because there’s no way I would carry on if I was in any danger at all.
“The neurologist is really happy with my cognitive ability and memory and, as long as that is the case and the scans are all clear, then I am happy to play on.”
Former Leeds skipper Stevie Ward was forced to retire earlier this year, at the age of 27, because of severe on-going concussion problems.
Several high-profile players in other sports are considering legal action due to the crippling impact concussion has had on their lives.
But Brown insists he is happy with how rugby league now looks after its players, and said: “The game has come on leaps and bounds in the 20 years I’ve been involved.
“I know a lot has been made of concussions – you hear some horror stories and it’s a really daunting situation for those players to be in. But personally I have always been looked after.”
Top brain specialist Dr Willie Stewart recently slammed rugby league’s policy of allowing players to return to action six days after a head knock.
That only happens if players pass certain tests and Brown added: “I do not know where we go as a sport, because the brutality attracts a lot of players and fans.”