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.

Interesting slant on that issue...

I said this at the time the rule change came into effect

It happens so often when a ball carrier anticipates a big hit coming , it's a natural defence

Stupid rule anyway

It's not been outlawed unless I'm very much mistaken. Out of interest, what's the rule in union?

The Aussie commentators mention this alot and then theres the mad rule about allowing a player to tackle another in flight if he is attacking the ball?. I have no idead what thats about but the Aussies do.
More inconsistencies: not allowing the video ref to judge a forward pass but they judge other line decisions like knock ons and offsides. Barmy.

the shoulder charge was outlawed......???

Gareth O'Brien's been sparked out by three in the last month or so.... someone should tell the RFL its been outlawed

But didn't Saints receive penalties on at least two of those occasions?

As to my original point it appears that Huddersfield had a try disallowed yesterday and a penalty given to London for the attacking player leading with the shoulder.

But what are players supposed to lead with?

Its always been unacceptable in Union , i believe, against the spirit of the game apparently. It was made illegal last year.
The stupidest rule in Union imo is the one that awards a penalty against a defender who knocks on trying to intercept the ball.

back on topic. Wasnt the rule made strictly to penalise tacklers, not attackers? They have to lead with something, as long as it isnt the elbow or forearm? , they have to be able to defend themselves somehow.

Is it possible to hold a ball in your arm and not lead with the arm or shoulder?

Players generally lead with their non-ball carrying arm and chest, rather than the shoulder

Correct and it looks like the whistle blower got it badly wrong on the occasion mentioned above. Funny how they cant apply simple rules. Other rules that aren't being applied: the flop, hands on the ball in the tackle, the 10 metre march (I dont see it much anyway) and the standing square at the mark. The stains board went crazy when we played them, however they did have a point but ALL teams are doing it. Top of the list is the 10 metre defensive line which in Oz is maintained when the ball is picked up by the hooker, in this country the defense moves forward when the ball hits the ground when its being played. It really does affect our game.

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

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