The NRL has today released a statement outlining the details of last night's judiciary hearing as well as the counselling and support provided to Storm forward Jordan McLean.
The NRL said today that counselling and other support is being provided for Storm forward Jordan McLean.
NRL Head of Football, Mr Todd Greenberg, said the welfare of Alex McKinnon continued to be at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts following his injury last week.
He said the NRL will look after the welfare of Jordan McLean as well.
“This is a tragic incident which has affected the lives of both Alex and Jordan and we need to do all we can to support them both,” Mr Greenberg said.
Mr Greenberg said the NRL had been in regular contact with the McKinnon family and the Newcastle club since the incident occurred and was offering assistance.
He said the Melbourne Storm was already offering counselling and support for Jordan, who was suspended for seven matches last night for a dangerous throw.
The NRL is in regular contact with the Storm to check on the welfare of Jordan and will provide additional assistance where requested.
Mr Greenberg said the NRL Judiciary Chairman, Mr Paul Conlon, had agreed to outline the details of last night’s judiciary decision, given the special circumstances surrounding the case.
The judiciary panel ruled that it was a grade 2 dangerous throw which carries 325 demerit points
A further 400 points were allocated after consideration by the panel of a range of factors including the injury suffered by Alex McKinnon.
“There has been no case like this in recent memory and it was always going to be a difficult case for the independent panel,” Mr Greenberg said.
“There is a process in place which was followed but it is clearly a tragic and extraordinary set of circumstance they were dealing with.”
Mr Greenberg said Melbourne Storm had seven days to seek leave to appeal the judiciary’s decision.