Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett has defended his medical staff against suggestions they flouted the concussion rules during the Broncos’ dramatic 25-24 win over South Sydney.

It is understood the Rabbitohs will ask the Broncos to be investigated by the NRL after five-eighth Anthony Milford was taken from the field for a head injury assessment (HIA) on the stroke of halftime.

Just moments earlier Milford kicked a penalty goal which proved decisive in the wash up and the question remained whether the No.6 should have been allowed to take the shot.

The Broncos earned the penalty after Milford was hit in a high tackle by Souths skipper Sam Burgess.

He was assessed by the club trainers, who cleared him of any signs of concussion.

However, as he took the shot at goal, Broncos doctor Peter Hackney reviewed the footage and decided to bring him off for a HIA.

“The doctor made that decision, the trainer didn’t make the decision,” Bennett said.

“The doctor wanted him off, the trainer thought he was OK to continue, he didn’t see a serious issue.

“And Anthony had no symptoms. I spoke to him at halftime. It was just the doctor living by the letter of the law, which is fine.”

Milford was assessed at halftime and allowed to return to the field, kicking the winning field goal in a dramatic encounter.

The NRL will now review the incident with the handling of concussion one of the most pressing issues facing the game.

The governing body last month handed out $350,000 worth of fines to St George Illawarra, Gold Coast and Newcastle – of which $200,000 was suspended – for breaches of concussion policy.

The Broncos, however, argued that proper procedure was followed and the doctor pulled Milford to be assessed as a precaution.

Milford insisted that he had exhibited no signs of concussion and was surprised he was told to come off to be assessed.

“I was surprised but there are rules in place for a reason and it’s safety first,” he said.

“I was just doing what the medicos told me to do.”

He said he was unaffected by Sam Burgess’ tackle and was more shaken up after copping a shoulder charge from George Burgess later in the game.

“I was sweet,” he said.

“The other one that rocked me more was from the other Burgess brother.”