Auckland, New Zealand August 8, 2011 – New Zealand Rugby League is confident that the knowledge, experience and authority of its Medical Council members will add more weight to its on-going decision making processes.

As well as reviewing player participation policies and the use of protective equipment, the Medical Council will advise the NZRL on public health and awareness matters and assist with programme development for the rugby league community.

Dain Guttenbeil, NZRLs Community Programmes Manager said, “We’ve been very fortunate to have some of the most experienced and recognised experts in their fields to work with us in this area.

“We intend to make use of this expertise to expand the Medical Councils remit from providing policy and injury prevention advice and guidance to also include the development of education and awareness programmes in matters of public health.

“Having been fortunate to secure the services of some of the very best for the Medical Council, we have a fantastic opportunity to expand our sphere of activities.”

The members of the NZRL Medical Council are:
Dr. Doug King Injury Prevention and Research AUT
Dr. Gerhard Sunborne Pacific and Public Health Auckland University
Glenn Gallagher Physiotherapy Physio Sport and Rehab
Dr. John Mayhew Sports Medicine Millennium Institute & NZ Warriors
Keir Hansen Sports Science AUT
Dr. Meia Schmidt-Uili General Paediatrician Clinical Leader Waitemata District Health Board
Prof. Patria Hume Professor Human Performance, Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand School of Sport and Recreation, AUT University
Ray Haffenden NZRL NZRL Board
Dr. Stewart Walsh Orthopaedic Medicine Sports Med

ENDS

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