I agree with this. Seems to be the usual anti-RL media jumping on the bandwagon and going so far as questioning the morality of the sport, this was one stupid mistake FFS.

It seems to me that there is a lot of muddled thinking on here. For example, that 8 matches may be sufficient (that is the absolute minimum under a grade F and so it is likely to be much more, in my personal opinion). As to the idea that a big punishment could affect BF's mental health: that is almost certainly the case and will already be doing so, just as is the case for anyone in similar circumstances (eg celebrity offenders, etc). That is, however, a separate issue from punishment for an offence and it is up to his club, the RFL, family / friends, whoever to support him, and provide him with access to professional support, as appropriate but it should not come into the equation for considering the sanctions.

Looking at the bigger picture it seems this moment, if handled inappropriately, potentially constitutes an existential threat to professional rugby league in this country. The Press are saying a minimum of a 6 months is likely (and that anything else would probably be unacceptable) and that he could potentially get a life ban. Personally I think a 12 month ban is likely (as a minimum). A short ban increases the risk of the few sponsors the game has dropping it (the game markets itself as family friendly, etc) and of a disastrous Court case should Saints / the Police press charges, which would have enormous reputational and indeed financial consequences.

What about about LH's mental and physical health? A powerful blow to the head when possibly / probably already concussed is quite probably going to cause depression and possibly, but hopefully not, long-term problems. As I understand it he is a due a scan which hopefully will not reveal too much damage. But what if it ends his career?

The footballer Duncan Ferguson was jailed for 3 months (out after 44 days) for head-butting an opponent. I can't fully remember the incident but I do not recall being as shocked by it. Maybe that is a point of reference? Against that, it is probably clear that a professional RL player would know and accept a higher physical risk from that sort of thing than a footballer. But did when LH when he was a kid dreaming of being a RL player anticipate being punched when lying of the ground by such a bigger / stronger player? Would any parent want their boy to play a game that doesn't totally reject such behaviour? These are big issues and bigger than just our love of the game and a "bit of biff."

It is to be hoped that the disciplinary panel get it right in all the circumstances (which will be no mean feat with the Press on the case). If they don't I think it will be dreadful for the game as a whole in this country. I am concerned that if the decision is considered too lenient that questions could be asked about the composition of the panel - which as I understand it includes Danny Sculthorpe (who played for Wigan) and Neil Turley (who started off at Wigan). I am sure they and the judge will act correctly but perception will be everything.

As to the incident - probably the most shocking I can recall. The other one Was Big Jim Mills' infamous stamp on John Greengrass but even that didn't shock me as much.

I would agree with CI in The Times that the game has not adequately dealt with and punished head high shots which have become routine again. Given the pace of the game and the strength of modern players this is something that urgently needs addressing. For me we need to start sending people off rather than worrying about the effect on the particular match. Head shots should as a rule (exceptions for slipping into tackle, etc) warrant an automatic red card. Coaching / tackling styles would soon adapt accordingly and everyone would be better off.

If we had more red cards the game would clean up quickly and we wouldn't have the obscene spectacle of people trying to judge Saturday's incident by reference to other recent incidents that caused damage to others and stop this upward creep of normalised / 'acceptable' on field violence.

That all said, I think that the discipline and ethics of the average RL player is first class.

As to Wane, although it may seem a little snobbish, but in my personal opinion he does himself and the image of Wigan club no favours by his appearance. Compare his appearance with say Tony Smith or in another sport Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson (equally focussed on winning), etc.

Really? Have you seen how the media deals with football "mistakes"? Even RU? That's just paranoid nonsense and once again is burying the RL head in the sand from the sickening reality.

Sorry but I can't take you seriously after your last post about Wanes appearance!

Maybe not. But coaching manuals usually stress that senior coaches should portray an image consistent with what they want from their players - normally disciplined, etc. Think about it in that context.

The game must be in a bad shape if one act of lunacy (dealt with properly, as it will be - or even if otherwise!) causes a existential threat to the whole sport.

Take a break, enjoy the 4 nations and see how much it feels like an existential threat in a few months when this is all chip-wrapping.

He wears a suit and tie. What do you want, top hat and tails?

Ian wright sticking boot in today, saying about RL fans on theirs high horse about family sport.

Is this online?

As apposed to those role models on a footy pitch who cheat, dive etc and get paid stupid money.

Ian Wright is a massive end of a bell. People moan about punditry in our game, at least we don't have to put up with the likes of Savage, Wright and Crooks.

The Torygraph (i have to read it as it's the only news website i can access at work) hardly ever mentions RL, it's hidden away under 'other sports' with the odd article every other month. They have been frothing at the mouth after since Saturday with article after article about how our game is a disgrace.

Putting the barbaric nature of the incident to one side for a minute, it speaks volumes about our game and its players that Hohaia holds no ill feelings towards Flower. Keane ended someone's career over a previous accident between the pair and STILL can't have the decency to regret it.