Isaac De Gois could be the latest player forced into premature retirement due to concussion as the game prepares to transition to a new SCAT5 protocol to better assess head knocks.

Concussion remains the hottest topic for the NRL following revelations former State of Origin winger James McManus is taking legal action against Newcastle for its handling of his head knocks.

Head office has shown it is taking the issue seriously by fining three clubs – Newcastle, St George Illawarra and the Gold Coast – a total of $350,000 over incidents that occurred last weekend. The most the NRL had previously fined a club for flaunting its concussion protocols was $20,000.

De Gois is still hopeful of returning to the NRL, although he will have to prove to his club and head office that he is medically fit to do so before he gains a clearance. The Parramatta hooker hasn't played since suffering a concussion against the Gold Coast during a preseason fixture in Darwin. De Gois has been suffering from headaches when increasing his training load and the Eels are erring on the side of caution.