Typical of them to make a decision and then talk tot he rest of the rugby league world. They are not the sole bearers of the rules. Besides that rant was this all about head injuries or just injuries in general?
Bit of a delicate position pro sports finds itself in now with regards to head injuries so I suppose the commission wants to reduce the threat of lawsuits etc and protect player health. Still, there goes half the highlight reel.
Just looking at a certain social networking site and it seems that asking the players to take a pay cut would be the only way the authorities could become more unpopular. Every player on there can't believe the decision.
I've not seen a single player say banning the shoulder charge is good for the game. Every single one is in complete disbelief and disgust and absolutely blasting the decision. So the the authorities have banned the shoulder charge, to protect the players, yet not a single player wants the should charge to be banned. Brilliant.
It's a bit like F1 having a 30mph speed limit for the safety of the drivers. I really hope the RFL grow some nuts and listen to the PLAYERS and FANS and keep the shoulder charge.
Jon Wilkin and the Super League Players Association balloted SL players to see if they were in favour of banning the shoulder charge, and NOT ONE said yes. rlArticle here.rl
He makes a couple of good points, that aggression is one of the selling points of our game, that whilst a poorly exected shoulder charge can cause injury so can any tackle, and that big shoulder charges are rare enough to not be an issue. We all know the ability to get smashed and get back up is one of the major tests of Rugby League, we all love watching the big hits and the players know the risks.
As far as I'm concerned, this all stems from that Greg Inglis smash. Talk about over-reaction.
I think we need to keep this discussion current, as unless we're careful the same legislation will sneak into SL, at which point I'll be thinking carefully about whether I want to carry on paying to watch. A pointless league season, 5th place finishers being crowned 'champions'. a pointless international campaign, and this sanitising of the collision and aggression we all love.
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