RFL law changes ban tackle technique used by Leigh Leopards’ John Asiata

Leigh Leopards were one of the highlights of the 2023 season thanks to the entertainment both on and off the field, however the club was shrouded in controversy over captain John Asiata’s tackle technique at times and it seems that the RFL have now taken action to outlaw it.

Asiata had a brilliant season earning Dream Team honours and skippering his side to a Challenge Cup win, however it was in the Challenge Cup semi-final victory over St Helens that the tackle technique truly came to light.

During the game Asiata made several tackles with a chopping motion below the knee diving head first into the tackles, something that could well have injured him but actually saw four Saints injured including both Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi out with long term injuries.

Walmsley did recover to make the play-offs however Paasi is expected to still be rehabbing when the 2024 campaign comes around.

The actions of Asiata were flagged by St Helens boss Paul Wellens who was incredibly vocal and critical of the tackling style, claiming that Asiata was dangerous and that the RFL needed to take action.

At the time the RFL confirmed that no laws had been broken, thus Asiata wasn’t suspended, but it was noted that rule changes would be looked at in the off-season as they always do and today that has been confirmed.

The RFL have made five major rule changes but under their fourth rule change ‘Reckless Endangerment’, it seems to specifically relate to the Asiata case.

Below reads what the RFL highlight about ‘Reckless Endangerment’ and what exactly referees and officials will be looking out for in 2024.

“4 – Reckless Endangerment

“Following an increase in the 2023 season in the number of tackles that have caused serious lower limb injuries, the Laws Committee recommended a new category of Misconduct as part of the Dangerous Contact charge, defined as recklessly endangering the safety of another player by making reckless contact to the lower limb(s) of the ball carrier where they have not made a “controlled” attempt to make a tackle.

“This law will only be relevant where the tackler has made contact with the lower leg(s) of the ball carrier. For the avoidance of doubt first contact with the ball carrier could have been above the knee joint but in this situation the direction of the force from the tackler must have been toward the floor.

“Indicators for this charge/law breach are the tackler:

“- Is off their feet at the point of contact with the ball carrier
“- Failed to attempt to wrap their arms around the ball carrier as the tackle was made
” – Made contact with the legs of the ball carrier on or below the knee
” – Put their own head in front of the ball carrier
“- In the opinion of the Referee, the player is not looking at the ball carrier when going into or on contact and approach to contact is out of control (e.g., eyes to floor)”

The use of the language ‘controlled’ is particularly interesting given that one of the phrases Paul Wellens had used to describe Asiata was “out of control, leaving little to no doubt that these changes come directly off the back of Asiata’s controversial tackling technique.

At the time Wellens spoke to the media stating: “This weekend, the governing body has failed in it’s duty to protect it’s players. On the weekend, we had four players injured by one player tackling in a reckless and dangerous manner.”

The RFL’s response at the time read: “Nobody wants to see injuries to players and we wish each of them the earliest possible recovery.

“We have listened intently to what the club has to say and we fully understand their position. We have also reiterated to the club that our approach to reviewing the incidents they refer to is consistent with all cases previously where clubs have cited incidents and alleged serious injuries to players.

“We assure all clubs that we will consult, consider and decide whether this type of tackle or technique is acceptable in our sport.”