Theyll still need halfbacks as eastmonds future should be on the wing

Probably because the hand off is basically a flat of the hand delivered front on to the face/head and isn't likely to do a great deal of damage. Using anything other than the hand (e.g. forearm/elbow) is still a penalty offence.

Most tackles are made with the upper arm/shoulder, which applies considerably more force particularly if swung into the tackle and especially if it lands/wraps around the neck area of someone running at pace.

Basic Health and Safety awareness, innit.

I once turned out for our company team in a local 5-a side footy league. Running down the boards with the ball I instinctively handed off the guy behind me and made a serious mess of his nose. Blood everywhere, probably broke it too. Funniest part was the ref who waved play on shouting "accidental, accidental".

One of the best hand offs I've seen (except the 1000 or so by Alan Smith) was by Paul Anderson on Gary Connolly at Odsal.

That hand off was delivered with some force, just a pity the pass from Deacon was forward though.

It was several weeks after that theywere able to dig Connolly out of the turf at Odsal