I read a small snippet on the tackling rules that said the ref will call 'held' should there be two or more defenders in the tackle, or where one leg of the ball carrier is lifted off the ground.

I hope this doesn't spell the end of some good hits, or drive backs. I also hope that the ref doesn't call too soon where there is more than one player in the tackle, but the ball carrier is still going forward.

I am not too sure about these rule changes... especially as this will no doubt lead to even more infuriating penalties.

Is anyone else aware of this, and what are your thoughts please...

Didnt stop harrison today

The best big hits are one on one, not when the player is being held still. Tomkins got abuse for doing one of them against saints i think.

Can't see it will make much difference. Surely the tackle is complete when the momentum is stopped, not when 2 players are in a tackle

TBH i don't think the rule changes are going to really noticed. The "changes" have generally been enforced by the officials for past season or 2.

Wrong.

The rule your mentioning there is if two or more players [idrag or pull the ball carrier towards his in-goal or towards touch[/i. So long as none of the defenders are dragging or pulling the attacker, you can have as many players in the tackle as you like.

As FC says, theres not much variation on what has previously been enforced anyway.

Wait till Eddie and Stevo go on about it week after week after week....

I wouldn't worry folks; these new rule interpretations will last 2/3 rounds and then it will be forgotten about.

I was at Wakefield yesterday. It was like tick and pass. Great for those who like fast open rugby, but not for me I'm afraid, (I don't remember one really hard tackle in 80 minutes.)

Should have gone to Leigh.

I believe that was like pass and tick.

If anything, it will encourage more big hits, as players are more likely to want to finish off their tackles on their own if two or more tackles are to be discouraged, as seems likely. Rugby League has often prided itself on it's impact in the collison - "it's Rugby League, not Rugby Lift" Phil Clarke says when we see maul-esque tackles occuring with players from both sides joining in. In recent years, IIRC, the rule was modified so that when a team mate of the attacker joined in, refs were encouraged to call held. Added with this modification, it would seem the RFL are looking to stop players being lifted and carried backwards.