“Let’s get 12 captains on a zoom call” – Super League star calls for action

Another Super League game has passed and it’s another that has seen a controversial red card which has prompted calls for change in the sport.

Nu Brown became the fifth player to see red in just eight games and he was arguably the unluckiest of the lot, being sent from the field for an accidental head clash with Warrington’s Ben Currie.

Reaction from fans, pundits and players has been near unanimous in the opinion that it should not have been red, Jon Wilkin labelling it a “shambles”, Ben Currie “couldn’t believe it” and England skipper George Williams has called it “embarrassing”.

Nu Brown has even had his own say in an articulate response on his Instagram page.

There has now been a call from Salford Red Devils’ full-back Ryan Brierley for players to meet and discuss the state of the game in order to approach the RFL as a collective.

Brierley and Saints’ man Alex Walmsley had been outspoken after round one but there now seems to be more traction which could lead to genuine change or even the creation of a players union.

“It’s just a start” – Ryan Brierley calls for Super League captains to meet to discuss state of the game

The Salford full-back reacted initially last night taking to social media to jokingly post: “Think we need this union don’t we?”, accompanied with a laughing emoji.

However, after sleeping on that it would seem Brierley was being genuine as he has now proposed a meeting of the 12 captains of Super League, something that could affect major change.

On X, formerly Twitter, he said: “It’s not just about the head contact situation. It’s about all aspects of the game I feel we should have a voice on. It’s just a start, but let’s get 12 captains on a zoom call and have a conversation and let’s take some points to the RFL and see where it takes us.”

He then doubled down on that: “Will reach out to all 12 captains over the next week and any player that wants to join the zoom call reach out for sure. I think for now, everyone put there attention into supporting this weekends games. Hopefully we can come up with a solution.”

That has already gained traction with Leigh Leopards captain John Asiata responding: “Message me.”

It does seem like this could be a landmark moment in the sport and in Super League with players possibly set to assume a position of power and help change the game.

Will reach out to all 12 captains over the next week and any player that wants to join the zoom call reach out for sure. I think for now, everyone put there attention into supporting this weekends games. Hopefully we can come up with a solution.

— Ryan Brierley (@RyanBrierley) February 24, 2024