Former NRL flyer-turned-podcaster Denan Kemp says concussions and side effects like brain damage is a risk NRL stars will always have to face and players are acutely aware of the risks involved.

“It is just the way it is,” Kemp told Daily Mail Australia.

“I was concussed multiple times during my career. There is a price to pay, it is a high-collision sport played by gladiators.

‘Ultimately, the decision to play in the NRL is made by adults…. you will get hit in the head.

“[Head] knocks are inevitable, players all know the risks.”