Legal action by former rugby league player James McManus includes allegations Newcastle allowed and encouraged him to play too soon after suffering multiple concussions.

The former New South Wales State of Origin winger played 166 games for the Knights and has a hearing in the New South Wales Supreme Court next month.

Accoriding to Australian media reports McManus will allege the Knights breached its duty of care to him citing matches in which he was encouraged or allowed to return to the field despite suffering head knocks.

He sat out the 2016 NRL season due to complications resulting from concussion and then announced his retirment in August.

Photo: Photosport

It's also reported McManus will allege unqualified people contributed to on- field decisions around him playing on or not after suffering head knocks during games.

Newcastle have strenuously denied mismanaging McManus' injuries, while the former Origin winger continues to work at the club in an off-field role.