Former National Rugby League side Parramatta Eels forward Brett Horsnell is "taking legal action against the club over mental health issues he has suffered following his rugby league career," according to Adrian Proszenko of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. The landmark case, scheduled to begin in the Australian Supreme Court this month, "has the potential to have huge ramifications for Australian sport and could result in more actions being taken against sporting clubs and bodies." The action comes just months after former NSW State of Origin player James McManus took legal action against Newcastle over the club's "handling of his concussions." Horsnell made 154 first-grade appearances during a career for the Gold Coast Giants, South Queensland Crushers and the Eels. The Giants and Crushers have "long since disappeared from the rugby league landscape, leaving the Eels as the only body left for him to sue after suffering a series of health problems in post-football life." Eels CEO Bernie Gurr said, "The matter is currently being handled by our lawyers, there is nothing else I can say" (SMH, 5/3).
