The NRL has looked a lot different in recent weeks. In fact since the Magic Round crack down on high shots, the game has reached an interesting phase of play.
There’s not one person I speak to who isn’t against rubbing out high shots in the game for ever. In fact it’s applauded.
BUT.....
The inconsistencies from week to week and game to game on interpretations of what constitutes a penalty, a sin bin, or a send off are mind blowing.
The players, and the referees for that matter, must be jumping at shadows every time there is a ‘dubious’ tackle on the field. In the modern game having a player sent to the bin equals at least 6 points, sometimes a lot more.
It cost the Roosters 14 points last Friday night when their prop Siua Taukeiaho was binned for a late hit on Nathan Cleary. That had roosters coach Trent Robinson fuming post match.
Even his counterpart Ivan Cleary felt sympathy for the Roosters mentor. But this is just one of a litany occurring every weekend.
Rugby League fans know when they see a high intentional hit in our game, it stands out. But they don’t happen as often as are getting penalized in the context today.
The solution?
Unless it’s a real stand out bad shot, put it on report and deal with it post-game. While on the crackdown, it’s been advised that 70% of concussions in our game occur from either a player putting his head in the wrong spot when tackling, hence bad tackle technique, or from friendly fire, ie a teammate colliding whilst trying to make a tackle.
Maybe clubs have to start working more on their players defensive techniques? Because the shadows are becoming larger each time the ref blows his whistle when a tackle goes a tad wrong.
Rugby league is a contact sport, accidents will happen, we just have to start differentiating between what is and what isn’t!
And another thing:
With game 2 or state of origin to be played out this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium, you’d have to think that Brad Fittler and his NSW blues are definitely in the box seat. With only one subtle change to his team, his opposition coach Paul Green has gone for a massive gamble by playing 18 yr old rookie Reese Walsh who will make his debut. He’s also made wholesale changes to a QLD team that were embarrassed 50-6 in game 1 in Townsville. I don’t expect NSW to win by that margin again in game 2 but I do expect a Blues domination with a far superior team right across the field.
See you at the game.