Leeds Rhinos and England star Caitlin Beevers has confirmed an injury sustained after a controversial tackle technique has ended her season.
The 22-year-old has urged education about hip-drop tackles after she saw her season end when she was the victim of such a tackle against Barrow in July.
She will require surgery for the knee injury that happened over seven weeks ago and the Leeds Rhinos star has now taken to social media to urge education about the controversial tackle technique.
Posting on X with an accompanying image showing her knee brace, Beevers stated: I’ve come to terms with it, I’m sharing my 2024 season is over. A hip drop tackle 7 weeks ago leaves me awaiting surgery. I urge everyone to learn about these tackles, which are becoming more common. We need to work on prevention to avoid future injuries in all levels of the game.”
Hip-drop tackles looked like becoming a serious scourge on the sport last season but have since declined, unfortunately not enough to avoid the injury to Beevers. In the weeks without their star, Leeds Rhinos have won six of eight games.
I’ve come to terms with it, I’m sharing my 2024 season is over. A hip drop tackle 7 weeks ago leaves me awaiting surgery. I urge everyone to learn about these tackles, which are becoming more common. We need to work on prevention to avoid future injuries in all levels of the game pic.twitter.com/3ly1KdJ5eE
— Caitlin Beevers (@CaitlinBeevers1) September 8, 2024
Leeds Rhinos star hopeful of “changes” over tackle technique
Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com
In a follow-up post, Beevers thanked fans for their messages of support and labelled herself “unlucky” as she spoke about what can and what is being done to eradicate the tackle technique.
“Thank you for the lovely messages and support! I would like to add these tackles aren’t malicious, lack of game knowledge or technique can play a massive part in a hip drop tackle, I was just unlucky. The RFL reviewed the tackle and a ban was distributed -changes are being made,” the 22-year-old shared on X.
It is unclear how long the recovery will take and whether or not the Leeds Rhinos star will be available for England duty when the Women’s side travel to Las Vegas to take on Australia.
The player who committed the tackle, Emma Hutchinson, was handed a Grade E charge which drew a three-game ban. At an Operational Rules Panel, Hutchinson apologised and argued that her momentum caused her to swing around onto Beevers’ knee.
Her acceptance of guilt and clean disciplinary record meant the ban came at the lower end of the scale and hopefully, the case can serve to help educate more players about such a tackle, as Beevers has called for.
