Very odd piece, the writer started by saying they are worried by the force in modern day tackles, but went on to suggest something that would only increase the force. By giving defenders more time to get set you allow them to move forward more quickly as they are starting from a strong base. So at a stroke you have increase the acceleration element in f=ma and I don't believe it would stop gang tackles as this not only gives defenders time but allows your team to attempt to dominate the opposing team not only physically but mentally as well

It's simple, if a tackler lifts a player above the horizontal, the player will obviously be travelling down head first and will be in danger of head injury. In this case the tackler who does the lifting should be sent off.

Would reducing the tackling line stop lifting????

Maybe it's a re-education of referees that is needed. Something along the lines of once the feet leave the ground, it starts to be come akin to tackling in the air, and regardless of players attempts to wriggle, offload or force back, held should be called.

From any tackles I can recall where players go above the horizontal, it all happens so quickly that I find it hard to believe that a ref could call held quick enough to stop it.

I've not watched the tackle as I really don't want to see someone's neck broke. But for those who have watched it, how long is there between feet of the ground and head on the floor??? If it's less than a second then there is little that can be done.

One of his feet doesn't even really leave the floor he just hops a bit and he only goes over the horizontal as he falls to the ground and the tackler has hold of one of his legs. It's not like he was picked up and tipped on his head more that he fell in an awkward position. It looks innocuous and similar tackles do go unpunished all the time. The ban is an over the top reaction.

At least a glimmer of light in the unrelenting doomINJURED Newcastle Knights star Alex McKinnon has spoken publicly for the first time since his horrific neck injury, revealing he is experiencing further movement in his arms and has feeling in his legs.'"

Praise the Lord, this is my biggest issue in rule changes, followed by 12 subs. The way these 2 changes pushed the game has never been for the better. It promoted athletes and not skill.