Talking Footy

The Australian Rugby League Commission has decided to ban the shoulder charge from the 2013 NRL season.

The move became particularly controversial following the big hit on Dragon's lock Dean Young, during the match against South Sydney halfway through the 2012 season.

But, is this decision fair or will change the nature of the game as we know it?

High profile players including Wests Tiger's captain Robbie Farah and NSW Origin Captain, Paul Gallen are shocked by the decision.

They say they can understand the ARLC not wanting players to be injured, however the decision will take away from the 'toughness' of the game and some of the spectator appeal.

A LEADING Australian surgeon last night applauded the ARLC's ban of the shoulder charge, saying the controversial tackle could have "killed someone".

Doctor Merv Cross, an orthopaedic surgeon and former NRL director, hailed the banning of rugby league's shoulder charge, saying: "You don't go to rugby league games to see people get killed.

"That's what you did when you went and watched Gladiators fight."

But NSW and Sharks skipper Paul Gallen said last night on Triple M radio: "I'm still in shock.

"We don't want players getting hurt, but it's taking some of the toughness of the game.

"When you have a look at the highlight reels they're all big hits, the fans love shoulder charges."

Cross had little doubt the shoulder charge would eventually have caused a death on the field.

"When you hit with such force with your shoulder - and you leave the ground - it could kill someone," Cross said. "That's how dangerous the shoulder charge is. There is nothing worse that being unprotected and being hit by a missile.

"The shoulder charge doesn't aim to tackle - it aims to hurt.

"If you want to go and watch that, buy a ticket for that stupid cage fighting. The game doesn't need it."

Asked for his message to fans who like the shoulder charge, Cross said: "Tell them to go look at all the broken down boxers from yesteryear.

"Head injuries are the worst injuries in sport.

"You shouldn't aim to hit anyone in the head. It's about time it went - the shoulder charge is dangerous."

Cross' strong stance was supported by Roosters doctor John Orchard.

"If the players wanted to keep it, they had to stop hitting each other in the head," Orchard said.

"They didn't do that so it had to go and I'm happy it's gone.

"Given the circumstances, they had no choice because there were significant concussions this year.

"Even when it was endangered, the players kept hitting opposition players in the head and concussing them. Once it continued, they had to stop it."

NRL club doctors united this year to ban the shoulder charge tactic from the game.

The most sickening hit came from South Sydney star Greg Inglis on Dragons utility player Dean Young.

Xman wrote:

The Australian Rugby League Commission has decided to ban the shoulder charge from the 2013 NRL season.

The move became particularly controversial following the big hit on Dragon's lock Dean Young, during the match against South Sydney halfway through the 2012 season.

But, is this decision fair or will change the nature of the game as we know it?

High profile players including Wests Tiger's captain Robbie Farah and NSW Origin Captain, Paul Gallen are shocked by the decision.

They say they can understand the ARLC not wanting players to be injured, however the decision will take away from the 'toughness' of the game and some of the spectator appeal.

http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2012/11/wil ... e-nrl.html

Which sport are all these blood thirsty bogans going to support now?

ParraEelsNRL wrote:

Xman wrote:

The Australian Rugby League Commission has decided to ban the shoulder charge from the 2013 NRL season.

The move became particularly controversial following the big hit on Dragon's lock Dean Young, during the match against South Sydney halfway through the 2012 season.

But, is this decision fair or will change the nature of the game as we know it?

High profile players including Wests Tiger's captain Robbie Farah and NSW Origin Captain, Paul Gallen are shocked by the decision.

They say they can understand the ARLC not wanting players to be injured, however the decision will take away from the 'toughness' of the game and some of the spectator appeal.

http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2012/11/wil ... e-nrl.html

Which sport are all these blood thirsty bogans going to support now?

It won't be vFL, you can guarantee that.

Stewie wrote:

I want to see LU at the moment, but for some reason El Dildo extended my 1 month ban for an extra 2 months straight away after the initial 1 month ban expired! Even though I didn't post anything, just straight away an extra 2 months added.

King-Eliagh wrote:

Meh. The shoulder charge only really came into popularity over the last decade. It was ok to watch but its never been as effective as a monster tackle, slamming someone into the ground with your body weight acting as the pile driver. As long as we dont go with the ridiculous blanket ruling on biff I really dont give a stuff whether this one stays or goes. In fact I'm more of the opinion it go. It's not what you can call a 'tackle' and to me, its a bit of a show off move, probably originating from american football.

Long live the biff!

Raiderdave wrote:

King-Eliagh wrote:

Meh. The shoulder charge only really came into popularity over the last decade. It was ok to watch but its never been as effective as a monster tackle, slamming someone into the ground with your body weight acting as the pile driver. As long as we dont go with the ridiculous blanket ruling on biff I really dont give a stuff whether this one stays or goes. In fact I'm more of the opinion it go. It's not what you can call a 'tackle' and to me, its a bit of a show off move, probably originating from american football.

Long live the biff!

yeah too true E

you might see 3 a week ... thats in 8 games , but I spose thats also an argument for keeping it.
of course its the media again
they were all over the one GI put on Dean Young last year ... oh how terrible , its dangerous .... do we need someone in a wheel chair before its banned

then its banned

& its

OUTRAGE at commission banning shoulder charges
FMD the standard of journalism is as low as its ever been.

I think it will have next to no impact on the NRL in 2013.... opinion is running 50/50 in most polls ....
so its really a non issue
& most leaguies are neither glad to see it go .... or outraged it has

Xman wrote:

Raiderdave wrote:

King-Eliagh wrote:

Meh. The shoulder charge only really came into popularity over the last decade. It was ok to watch but its never been as effective as a monster tackle, slamming someone into the ground with your body weight acting as the pile driver. As long as we dont go with the ridiculous blanket ruling on biff I really dont give a stuff whether this one stays or goes. In fact I'm more of the opinion it go. It's not what you can call a 'tackle' and to me, its a bit of a show off move, probably originating from american football.

Long live the biff!

yeah too true E

you might see 3 a week ... thats in 8 games , but I spose thats also an argument for keeping it.
of course its the media again
they were all over the one GI put on Dean Young last year ... oh how terrible , its dangerous .... do we need someone in a wheel chair before its banned

then its banned

& its

OUTRAGE at commission banning shoulder charges
FMD the standard of journalism is as low as its ever been.

I think it will have next to no impact on the NRL in 2013.... opinion is running 50/50 in most polls ....
so its really a non issue
& most leaguies are neither glad to see it go .... or outraged it has

So are the media responsible for all the negative comments made by NRL coaches, players and fans? Check out LU. They HATE it!

Some players and fans have suggested fans will turn away from the game. After all, where is the interest when the only thing most fans want to see is violence and injury.

But lets all blame the media...