As the shadow of head injuries looms large over rugby league and contact sport, NZ Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has faith in the NRL's concussion protocols to keep players safe.
On Sunday, rugby league was shocked by the news that former Queensland and Australia five-eighth Wally Lewis has been diagnosed with CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) dementia at the age of 63.
Lewis is recognised among the greatest to ever play rugby league, and is one of 13 players to be made an immortal of the game.
While modern day has taken steps to mitigate the risks of brain injury for players, no contact sport will ever fully erase concussion from existence.
Rugby league is no different.
This season, the NRL has made use of new concussion protocols that place players on a mandatory 11-day stand-down should they meet the necessary criteria.
For the Warriors, 26-year-old Egan has been out with concussion on two occasions this season, missing three games as a result.
But even at the risk of traumatic injury later in life, Egan accepts the risks of his occupational hazard.
"I wouldn't say I'm conscious of it," said Egan. "Obviously [it's] a thing to be wary of.
"If you do suffer one, [you have to] to come off the field. It probably is a thing you've got to be careful of.
"But that's the sport we sign up to, too. It's a contact sport, it's a pretty physical game.
"That's what we sign up for."
Like many in the game, Egan also offered his thoughts to Lewis and his family, now having to adjust to their new reality.
However, he is also confident in the NRL's protocols in helping eliminate further injuries from current players.
"It's obviously very sad," said Egan. "I heard that last night.
"Best wishes to him and his family through that tough time. I know the NRL has brought in some really good protocols over the last couple of years to look after the brain.
"It shows what can happen if you do suffer brain injuries. The NRL's doing a pretty good job in that department of looking after concussion protocols.
"It looks after us as players."
Warriors coach Andrew Webster also sympathised with Lewis, and recognises dementia and brain injuries' impact outside of sport.
"I just hope we can do some work around research to limit this," Webster said. "It's not just in rugby league, it's in society fullstop.
"[To see it in] such a great player like Wally, an icon of the game, it's sad to hear it.
"I just wish we could do something about it. People's grandparents, people's parents, everyone has some really tough times with dementia.
"It's so common. It's one of those things I'd love for us all to be able to get rid of.
"It's sad."
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