Eels centre Sean Russell left dazed after brutal head clash and subsequently penalised

In an unusual incident during the match against the Wests Tigers, Parramatta Eels outside back Sean Russell found himself on the receiving end of a head clash and was subsequently penalised for it.

With just 12 minutes remaining in the first half at CommBank Stadium, Russell darted out of the defensive line in an attempt to apply pressure on ball carrier Heamasi Makasini.

Unfortunately for Russell, his timing was off, resulting in a head-on collision that left him momentarily unconscious on the field.

Medical staff swiftly rushed to his aid while he lay on the ground.

As Russell started to regain his footing, referee Peter Gough summoned Eels captain Mitchell Moses to explain that a penalty would be awarded against Russell.

“It’s a head clash, but he’s rushed out of the line, which means he’s not in control, and he has a responsibility to avoid high contact. Therefore, the penalty goes to Sean Russell,” Gough clarified.

“We’ve seen similar situations before where defenders rush out and make contact.”

Moses, looking puzzled, responded: “I’ve not heard that before when it’s head-on-head contact.”

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Accepting the referee’s ruling, Moses made way for Russell to be escorted off the field.

Former player Cooper Cronk backed the decision, stating, “The responsibility lies with the defensive player to avoid contact.”

Russell was officially put on report for the incident and substituted by Luca Moretti.

Despite leading 10-0 at the time, the Eels saw the Tigers bounce back, with tries from Adam Doueihi and Jahream Bula flipping the scoreline to 12-10 by half-time.

Russell was not the only player in trouble, as Apisai Koroisau was also placed on report for a hip-drop tackle earlier in the game.