NRL funds South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Kyle Turner's meeting with concussion specialist

Fulton was forced into premature retirement last year because of repeated head knocks, ending his 12-year career. The Wests Tigers back-rower met Melbourne based professor Paul McCrory before making his decision. Turner's short career has already been plagued by head and neck injuries.

He suffered his latest concussion in his comeback game for the Rabbitohs against Penrith on Sunday afternoon and he too met with McCrory to discuss his concussions.

NRL's head of football Todd Greenberg said the game had worked closely with Turner and the Rabbitohs recently. "We've done some significant work with Souths and Kyle in recent months," Greenberg said. "We wanted an independent assessment of his cognitive state following numerous head knocks over the last 18 months. In conjunction with our chief medical officer [Dr Paul Bloomfield], we selected associate professor Paul McCrory, one of the world's leading experts in the field of sports concussion, to oversee the process.

"As a result we organised and funded Kyle flying down to Melbourne in June to be fully assessed. Souths were supportive of the process that was undertaken."

Turner said he did not remember much of the incident which left him dazed and motionless on the field during South Sydney's 20-16 win. It is believed in his confused state that Turner became antsy with the Rabbitohs trainers and fought to get to his feet. However, the Rabbitohs medical staff wanted to ensure his safety before they allowed him to move, forcing a Rabbitohs teammate to hold his legs to prevent him from kicking out.

Turner has suffered about a handful of concussions since making his NRL debut last year. His latest knock occurred when he hit his head as he collided with Penrith's Jeremy Latimore as Turner attempted a tackle.

"We're well aware of Kyle's history of head knocks, but we have full confidence in our clubs to manage their players, and Dr Bloomfield has been in regular contact with Souths' club doctor," Greenberg said. "We know that Souths will take a conservative approach with Kyle's recovery and ensure that his welfare will be carefully considered at all times. We monitor each player who has suffered a concussion and their progress through the relevant cognitive testing which is required as part of their recovery."

Turner wore a neck brace in his first NRL appearance since last year's grand final after injuring his neck in the All-Stars fixture earlier this year. The 23-year-old presented well at the Rabbitohs recovery session on Monday with the club yet to make a decision on his availability for Friday's clash against Manly. The NRL will continue to monitor Turner's progress. The NRL receive the results of the cognitive tests undertaken by any player who is concussed and can make recommendations to clubs if they believe a player should not take to the field.

Turner said after the Panthers victory that he had little reservations about returning to the field despite the latest head knock. "Souths have done all the precautions," Turner said. "I've seen doctors in Melbourne and Sydney. I've done all I need to. It's all good. I'm just looking forward to playing some good football."