Manly Sea Eagles is defending itself against a $5 million lawsuit filed by former player Lloyd Perrett, who claims he suffered severe injuries due to negligence during a training session. Perrett alleges that after arriving at pre-season training out of shape and without a water bottle, he experienced life-threatening conditions, including exertional heat stroke.
The lawsuit, initiated in the Supreme Court in August 2023, details an incident on November 6, 2017, at the Narrabeen Sports Complex. Perrett claims he was left in a “comatose state for two days” following a rigorous training exercise that required players to complete three two-kilometre time trials. He reportedly collapsed during the third lap of the final trial.
Allegations of Negligence and Defenses Cited
In his claim, Perrett states that he suffered not only from heat stroke but also from a heat stress-induced seizure and subsequent psychiatric injuries. He maintains that these injuries have led to lasting disabilities, including impaired cognitive ability, anxiety, and significant physical pain. As a result, Perrett argues that his NRL career was prematurely cut short, impacting his future earning potential.
In response, Manly has submitted a statement of defense, asserting that the club did not neglect to provide water during training. The Sea Eagles contend that Perrett’s injuries were largely due to his own actions, citing “contributory negligence.” This includes allegations that he failed to manage his health and fitness adequately in the off-season and did not communicate his physical condition to coaching staff during training.
“The club contends that Perrett’s actions contributed to the incident, and that he did not exercise reasonable care for his safety,”
the defense documents state.
Specific points of contributory negligence include:
- Failing to manage his weight and diet prior to training.
- Not hydrating himself adequately before and during the session.
- Arriving without essential equipment, such as a water bottle.
- Failing to recognize when he should take a break during the trials.
- Neglecting to communicate his fitness level to coaching staff.
Legal Complications and Career Impact
Manly also argues that the statute of limitations applies to this case, as nearly eight years have passed since the incident. They claim that this delay should lead to the dismissal of Perrett’s request for damages.
Perrett participated in 16 first-grade matches for Manly after the incident but asserts he was never the same player thereafter. Over his career, he played a total of 56 NRL games, including stints with the Bulldogs and the Sea Eagles. He has indicated that the physical and mental toll of the training session has had lasting effects on his life.
None of the coaching staff present during the training session remains with the Sea Eagles, and the club has declined to comment further on the ongoing legal matter. In a recent interview, Perrett reflected on the challenges he has faced since the incident, highlighting both the physical and emotional struggles he continues to endure.
