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Former NRL athlete Kevin Proctor has shared that he is recovering well after being harshly knocked out by influencer and past rugby player Jordan Simi during a ‘run it straight’ contest held in the Middle East.
This competition involves participants charging at full speed directly into one another, causing a massive rugby-style impact. The individuals are not allowed to sidestep to avoid being tackled, and a panel of judges declares the winner.
However, shocking footage surfaced on Saturday showing the former Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans player clashing with Simi at the RUNIT Championship League event in Dubai.
Proctor fell lifelessly to the ground, with his arms and legs going stiff, with organisers and Simi quickly rushing to his aid.
On Monday evening, he took to Instagram to give his followers an update on his condition, sharing a photo of himself and Simi flying back home following the event.
Kevin Proctor (left, pictured with Jordan Simi, right) has revealed to fans on Instagram that he is ‘doing good’ after being involved in a sickening collission during a ‘run it straight’ event
Proctor (right) said he ‘knew what he was signing up for’ when entering the competition. He went on to thank the organisers and lump praise on Simi (left)
‘Just want to say thank you to everyone that has messaged me to ask if I was alright,’ he wrote on the social media platform.
‘I’m all good. We all know what we sign up for getting in there.
‘It’s a contact sport and unfortunately, I put my head in the wrong place and came out second best.’
The New Zealand-born ex-NRL player also lumped praise on his opponent Simi, a former footy player himself, who last year opened up on forging a new career as an artist.
‘Ya win some ya lose some… but no hard feelings. Hats off to the bro. It is what it is. I got in there and had a crack at least,’ Proctor added.
‘I like to thank @runit.league for having me!
‘Still grateful to be a part of it and I’m sure you guys are only going to get bigger and bigger.
‘Congrats to all the winners and organisation for putting on a great event.
‘On my way back home now to see my darling, kids and family, thanks again to everyone for the support.’
The huge hit left some social media users concerned for Proctor’s wellbeing after the event, with one writing: ‘Hope Proctor is OK after that knockout.’
Proctor, though appeared in good spirits, smiling as he sat next to Simi, following their exhibition match. He also shared a glimpse behind the scenes at the event as well as a video of his flight leaving Dubai.
The ‘run it straight’ trend has gone viral on social media in recent months, with the RUNIT Championship League having hosted several events in Australia and Dubai.
Multiple big names from the world of sport have shown an interest in the game, including former NRL star George Burgess, who squared off against former Leicester Tigers rugby union star Nemani Nadolo. Even AFL player Jamarra Ugle-Hagan turned out to watch their match.
However, the sport has been criticised by some health experts, who have expressed concerns over the risk of concussion associated with the explosive collisions.
It comes as a 19-year-old man from New Zealand died after sustaining a serious head injury while playing a game inspired by the ‘run it straight trend’.
Ryan Satterthwaite from Palmerston North was rushed to hospital after participating in a full-contact collision game with friends. Unfortunately he could not be saved.
Distressing scenes unfolded as Proctor fell to the ground with his arms and legs going stiff
Proctor played for both the Melbourne Storm and Gold Coast Titans during his NRL career
New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite died after sustaining head injuries taking part in a run it straight style challenge with friends
Events have popped up in Australia and New Zealand with cash prizes on offer
RUNIT’s organisers understand the dangers associated with the sport and have implemented measures to ensure the safety of participants.
They have also warned individuals not to participate in ‘run it straight’ events at home with friends.
Dr Helen Murray, a neuroscientist, told the New Zealand Herald that the risks associated with the sport were unacceptable.
‘There is clearly a high risk of head injury in this event. There’s no attempt to reduce head acceleration, so I do not support it,’ she said.
Patria Hume, a professor of sports biomechanics at the Auckland University of Technology Sport Performance Research Institute, added that the sport was a ‘reckless and dangerous spectacle.’
She added: ‘The science is clear – repeated head impacts increase risk of long-term brain damage.’
Proctor began his NRL career back in 2008 with the Storm. He’d go on to play 179 matches for the footy club before joining up with the Titans in 2017.
His contract at the club was terminated in 2022, after he published a video of himself vaping during half-time of a match.
However, he was handed a career lifeline with Super League club Wakefield Trinity, going on to play for the club for the 2023-24 season.
