Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan has no regrets over the Titans' handling of Shannon Boyd despite the prop's complaints of daily migraines after research discovered a disease linked to repeated concussions among ex-players.
Ex-Test prop Boyd raised eyebrows on Thursday when he revealed he had endured headaches since suffering concussion six weeks ago ahead of the Titans' NRL clash with Manly on Saturday.
Boyd said he had migraines "every day" since the knock suffered against Cronulla but has been cleared to play against the Sea Eagles after being limited to light training duties.
Yet Brennan claimed Boyd was not a long term health concern, backing his Titans staff after news broke that a disease linked to repeated concussions in American sport had been found in the brains of two former Australian rugby league players.
The discovery was the first time Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy - or CTE - has been identified in an NRL athlete.
CTE is a degenerative brain disease that has been found in former players of American football, ice hockey, soccer, rugby union and others exposed to repeated head injury.
However, Brennan said Boyd was a very different case.
"I know a lot has come out over concussion but the game has never been safer," he said.
"The steps that are in place for players these days are quite thorough and so they should be.
"And our head doctor specialises in concussion.
"When Shannon had the headaches a couple of weeks ago we wanted to investigate that and there was no brain trauma as a result of the concussion.
"He went to a specialist and we didn't play him until he got the all clear."
Boyd missed the following week following the Sharks clash due to concussion but is primed to play his fourth game since the collision when he comes off the bench for the Gold Coast this weekend.
Brennan said it had no connection with this week's startling revelation from researchers and clinicians from Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW Health and the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre.
They discovered CTE in two donated brains from middle-aged former players who racked up more than 150 NRL games over many years.
"No, we know it is neck related not brain trauma," Brennan said of Boyd.
"There is no chance of further damage going forward. It is just a matter of his neck settling down then the headaches will disappear.
"The headaches are not a result of the concussion that he received a few weeks ago.
"Once we found out it was not a result of the knock he received he was free to play."
Brennan said a Titans player would never be put at risk following a concussion.
"Player welfare and safety is more important than the game. That will always come first for me," he said.
"Years ago that wasn't the case but we are seeing that with research that it is being done and I think the NRL has done a good job looking after the players going forward."
