McManus: ‘I’m no trailblazer’

James McManus says it was never his intention to become a trailblazer, but he hopes his historic concussion case will result in better protection for players suffering head knocks in the future.

McManus has become the first Australian footballer to take legal action against a major sporting body over its handling of career-ending concussions after launching legal action against former club Newcastle. The former NSW winger’s career ended prematurely after suffering the last in a series of head knocks against South Sydney in July, 2015.

Doctors subsequently diagnosed McManus with ‘‘minor brain damage’’ and ‘‘scarring on the brain’’, which has resulted in a raft of health issues following his playing retirement.

The 31-year-old said he hoped his legal case could create changes that would further protect the players.

‘‘There could be some groundbreaking things here,’’ McManus told Fairfax Media.

‘‘I’d like to think with the information that is available and things like this [claim], the right action will be taken in the future and it will protect players against things like brain damage.

‘‘It’s one of those things where I know players are suffering with things and are probably unaware that concussions are the cause of it.

‘‘It’s trauma, it’s brain trauma. It creates other issues you may not be aware of.

‘‘You don’t want to be in the position where you are the first to do something, but I think things have to change in the game, there’s no doubt about that. ‘‘It will be what it’s going to be.’’ McManus made all 166 of his NRL appearances for the Knights and continues to be employed by the club in an off-field role. The Sun-Herald