JAMES AND ESHIA MCMANUS
JAMES AND ESHIA MCMANUS
Rugby League
James: "There's help out there, there's support networks out there. You want to be as informed as you possible can be. You really need to get independent advice. I think there's a lot to be done in this space, there's a lot of engagement the sporting codes need to provide to be able to get to the solutions."
Eshia: "We found that I would recognise those symptoms and those behaviours before James did, and so I think partners need to be aware of what to look out for so that if they do see behaviours they can go get help and advice."
PETER FITZSIMONS
Rugby Union - Wallaby
"There has to be research and there has to be a growth in awareness. If in doubt, sit it out. When I look at the rugby generation ahead of me, it worries me a bit. The danger now for the sporting federations is when they know, and they still put them out there."
JEFF FENECH
Boxing - World Champion
"As well as competing on game day or fight night we've got to think about our training technique. We need better legislation, making sure that these young guys aren't getting hurt as they're growing up."
MICHAEL AND FRANCES LIPMAN
Rugby Union - International
Michael - "I was thinking if I wasn't completely unconscious, play on."
Frances - "Michael has had quite a few cognitive tests, and it was really concerning because it was at the stage of mild dementia and I thought wow, this is what we are dealing with."
STEVE AND CATHY ROACH
Rugby League Legend
Steve - "You go and get the tests and do all the things you're supposed to do, and it's a weight of your shoulder, and you can see the relief in your family."
Cathy - "I think people want to deny it, that it'll go away or it's not right and they're probably fearful."
JOHN PLATTEN
Australian Rules Football
"The research is so important for us trying to move forward. It's more about what I can do now to help this rather than in 10 years when it may be too late. I want to see my kids and grandkids grow up."
KIRBY SEFO
Rugby Union - Australian Sevens and XVs
"I believe that further concussion research paired with positive exposure and education for all athletes in sport can help encourage a level of understanding that promotes safety as well as inclusion. It can also allow athletes the opportunity to develop agency in their own health and wellbeing for the longevity in life after sport. I am still learning and understanding that the management of my symptoms are multi-faceted in what I choose to do each day but, I am extremely thankful for the ongoing investment and research into concussion."
JULIE SPEIGHT
Cycling - Olympian
"I raced a whole season in America with double vision — really serious concussion — and that was a normal thing to do. The conversation was just, 'Get back on the bike and keep racing"
RAY AND SANDY PRICE
Rugby League Legend
"They’ve given me a lot of tablets, and that’s helped me with cohesion and not forgetting things so much, which can get frustrating."
BRETT AND LAURA SHEEHAN
Rugby Union, Rugby League
Brett - "When I retired I was in denial about a few of the issues I was suffering from."
Laura - "It's been such an isolating experience up until now but now I know that other partners and families are navigating it the same way. It's almost a relief to know that other families are experiencing the same thing."
SCARLETT AND RACHEL'S STORY
Family and Domestic Violence
Scarlett - "I felt lost and like it was us against the world. People need to listen to Rachel and pay attention, and care."
Rachel - "Head injuries from domestic violence are repeated and cumulative. It makes it more serious."
ROBIN MCGILLIGAN
Soccer and Other Head Injuries
"Most people want to help but they often can’t see our injuries.
This isn’t exactly the life that I would have wished for, not for me, and certainly not for my family, not at least until I was in my late seventies but it’s tough when you’re only in your late forties."
DEB AND ANDY'S STORY
Rugby Union
Deb - "We've just seen the tip of the iceberg. People don't realise this not only affects Andy but myself, my kids, and my grandkids."
Andy - "Sport if fantastic. I played rugby union to my early 30s. To not do anything when we know about the impacts would be foolish."
DEXTER DUNWORTH
Boxing, Rugby League, Rugby Union
"About subconcussion and getting hit, I would spar every Friday morning for at least 15 or 16 rounds and no matter how good you are, you are getting hit a lot. My memory is poorer than what it possibly should be, and that concerns me."
VICTOR'S STORY
Boxing
"I actually don't know what day of the week it is. What you take for granted, down the track you're not going to be able to do."
ENRIQUES' STORY
Rugby Union - International
“In my 21 years of rugby career, I can count no less than 10 times being concussed. Yet, not once I was rested” - This used to be a true badge of honour and a display of toughness. Today we all are learning that our brains, spine, and body can be very fragile even when adequately protected”.
