'Chaos on the sidelines' as Dragons dispute Jack Bird concussion ruling
Dragons star Jack Bird was ruled out midway through his side's clash with the Tigers on Sunday afternoon - but the club aren't happy about the decision.
The 29-year-old left the field late in the first half after a heavy collision with Junior Tupou, with the independent doctor deeming Bird was suffering category one concussion symptoms and would be unable to return to the field.
Bird would be replaced in the centres by utility Tom Eisenhuth for the remainder of the match at a sold-out Campbelltown Stadium.
READ MORE: UFC finally confirm blockbuster McGregor return
READ MORE: Roosters ward off rivals to retain 'Origin tough' enforcer
READ MORE: Rabbitohs boss backs under-fire coach
Jack Bird leaves the field for a HIA against the Tigers. Nine
However, according to Nine reporter Emma Lawrence, the club were disputing the ruling from the doctor and was hopeful of getting Bird back on the field.
"A bit of chaos here on the sidelines - the independent doctor has ruled a category one head knock, which would rule him out of the game," she said.
"However, the Dragons medical team are saying there is no way that was a category one and they are trying to have it overturned. It is in the rule books."
Unfortunately, their attempts to overturn the decision were in vain, but the Dragons are now expected to appeal the grading in the aftermath of the game.
Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.
The premiership-winning centre would miss the side's round seven clash with the Warriors should he be forced into an 11-day stand-down.
Sam Walker faced a similar situation a number of weeks ago, but the Roosters ultimately had the grading downgraded in order to clear the halfback for the next game.
Bird set up the opening try of the afternoon for St George Illawarra, before scoring another of his own before leaving the field.
Speaking post-match, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was confused by the ruling.
"Jack's fine in the dressing rooms. Seriously. [There is] absolutely nothing wrong with him," he told media.
"[He's] talking about what he's having for dinner.
"Our doctor challenged the category one [classification] but he failed his HIA test so I believe.
"So, there's no argument."
