I’m absolutely loving the footy thus far. You know the NRL is in a good place when “experts” are getting their tips wrong!
I’m very keen to look at the new rules and regulations regarding head high tackles, grappling and of course, our good old mate, the shoulder charge.
I’ll tell you right off the bat, I’m still filthy that the shoulder charge has been banned. Why? Because completely outlawing one of rugby league’s greatest spectacles because of a few rogue offenders is ludicrous.
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I just don’t understand why there needs to be such a grey area when discussing what is an acceptable tackle/charge and what penalties are given when one comes into contact with another’s head.
It’s simple. If a player’s shoulder comes into contact with another player’s head… then throw the book at him.
If a player drives his shoulder into another player anywhere between above the knees and below the neck… play on.
There you go. As black and white as a Western Suburbs Magpies’ jersey.
No excuses like “his shoulder hit the body first then bounced off and into his head”.
If you take a risk and go in for a shoulder charge and you hit the player’s head, even if it’s after a ricochet off the torso, then you’re off. But why on earth have they outlawed a unique component that the masses love to see?
Personally, I’ve been floored by shoulder charges on many occasions. Only one out of many connected with my head.
I’d like to say hats off to the NRL for the way they are dealing with head high tackles. There’s absolutely no place for headhunters in our game. The NRL has sent a clear message early and good on them. Just don’t eradicate our beloved shoulder charge to make your point!
What I’m actually more worried about are some of the injuries that are a result of wrestling and grappling.
Big, strong, fast, explosive athletes colliding is one thing, but finding yourself in an entangled mess of limbs on the way down to the ground at speed with incredible force is something that is far scarier than a one-off collision.
Many clubs have jujitsu as part of their schedules. Although it’s a great skill and a well respected martial art, it can turn into all kinds of disaster when you have 100kg-plus athletes trying to pull these holds and manoeuvres off at split second speeds.
I’ve had my back broken, limbs stretched and contorted. I’ve had my face slammed into the ground and fingers and ankles twisted during some on-field wrestling incidents, and the vast majority of these were unintentional! It’s just the end result of wrestling techniques trying to to be executed at game speed.
A ‘legal’ (above knee and below neck) shoulder charge is the least of a player’s worries.
I say, bring back the shoulder charge and continue to heavily police the wrestling… That way our Sonny Bills and Steve Matais can make the NRL highlight packages as awesome as ever. And with heavy policing of wrestling, we can keep people as injury-free as possible.
What are your thoughts? Shoulder charge to come back or to stay on the banned list? Wrestling? Let’s see those comments legends!
Eric Grothe Jr plays wing with the Cronulla Sharks this season in the National Rugby League, having previously played with the Eels and the Sydney Roosters. He has has also represented New South Wales, Australia and City, and has scored 67 first grade tries.