Quote: daveyz999 "A couple of days after the NRL announced it's intention to ban the shoulder charge for the 2013 campaign, they are rumours now that the rule makers in the southern hemisphere are attempting to get the RFL to make the same change. If we're honest, the RFL are more than likely to 'bend over' and do as they are told, which would be a shame in my opinion.
Personally, I love watching a player 'smash' an opposing player. Sam Burgess is probable one of the best at the shoulder charge, this is one of the main reasons I loved watching Rabbitos games last year. Impact players often come up with big plays, which then ups the 'ante' for their team. Scruton was one of the Bulls players that executed this technique well, a couple of years ago before he 'Wed' the treatment table.
How do people/fans feel about this ruling? Have we lost a great aspect of our game, or eradicated a nuisance tackle? Or will this ban prolong the career of players (such as Scruton and Burgess) who have a history of shoulder problems?'"
Answer is both, we've lost an aspect of the game AND prolonged the careers of the Scrutons and Burgesses. I'd leave things like this up to the player's association to decide.