A Queensland country rugby league player is suing an opponent after suffering ongoing health problems following a high tackle lawyers claim was similar to that which felled NRL star Billy Slater on the weekend.
Liam Cullen, the former captain of St George in the Roma District competition, is suing Roma Cities player Alby Tardent and his club for $1.4 million due to lingering brain injuries from the alleged swinging arm tackle in a July 2014 match.
Mr Cullen was airlifted to Brisbane where he spent three weeks in the brain injury ward of the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Mr Tardent wasn’t sent off for the incident, and was not suspended or otherwise sanctioned, and his club president reportedly called it a “terrible accident”.
Lawyer Nick Hart said Mr Cullen had undergone extensive lifestyle changes due to the dangerous tackle.
“He suffered a significant closed head injury as a result of that tackle, which has led to significant cognitive deficits. He suffers mood swings and anxiety,” Mr Hart told AAP.
“It’s impacted Liam very significantly but not just Liam, his family too. He has three young kids and a wife.
“It’s hoped that a settlement of a claim like this may be able to afford Liam that treatment in the future that he may require.”
The matter was officially lodged in the Supreme Court on Monday, with Mr Tardent and Roma Cities having 28 days to respond.
Mr Hart said Mr Cullen had “gotten chills” when watching Melbourne Storm fullback Slater on Saturday night suffer a late, high shot which resulted in him being medi-cabbed off the field and placed on concussion watch.
The player responsible, Canberra forward Sia Soliola, is facing a long suspension after being referred straight to the NRL judiciary over the incident.
Mr Hart said late, high shots were outside the laws of the game and should be treated as assaults.
“What we want to highlight is the very serious consequences when the game isn’t played fairly, and hopefully we can bring about meaningful discussion to ensure players are safeguarded from grassroots to professional.”
Roma Cities have been contacted for comment.
