Former Manly Sea Eagles prop Lloyd Perrett has filed a Supreme Court damages claim over what he describes as an “outlandish training regime” that ended his NRL career.

At the centre of the lawsuit is a compulsory pre-season training session at Narrabeen Sports Complex on November 6, 2017. According to Perrett, players were denied water breaks under instructions from then-club performance coach Dan Ferris. Midway through his third 2km time trial, Perrett collapsed unconscious and was later diagnosed with severe heat stroke at Mona Vale Hospital.

Represented by Carter Capner Law, director Peter Carter said Perrett’s “very successful early career” was cut short by Manly’s failure in its duty of care. “Potential damages are well into the millions of dollars,” Carter noted, highlighting that Perrett’s contract with Manly was worth $500,000 per season.

The claim outlines 16 breaches, including exposing Perrett to the risk of exertional heat stress and depriving him of water. Though he managed limited appearances in 2018 and 2019, Perrett never returned to NRL level, playing his last professional game at just 24.

Perrett, once part of Queensland’s Emerging Origin squad, has spoken publicly about the psychological toll, revealing he became suicidal after the ordeal. “If it wasn’t for my parents, I would have taken my own life,” he told media.

Manly has been contacted for comment but is yet to respond.

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ESPN – Former prop Perrett launches legal claim against Manly