I know that the shoulder charge was outlawed for players safety to primarily stop contact with the head of an opponent (either accidentally or deliberately)

But what about the ball carrier? does the same ruling apply.

Yesterday Elima was running the ball in and at the very last moment turned and led with his shoulder. He actually came off worse, but I really don't see the difference if we're looking at player protection. His shoulder could just as easily gone into the opposition players head.

So you would rather we make rules up than follow them correctly?

No they dont. Most forwards lead with the ball carrying arm.

So still not the shoulder then

If you lead with the shoulder there is only one side the ball can readily be off-loaded, so pretty limiting tactic.

Thats the point, in this country we have made up the rule of moving forward at the contact of ball and ground durrr