Super League

“The death knell or rugby league” – How fans reacted to new rules set to be trialled

by
Cam Pattison
April 22, 2023

Two law modifications will be trialled in the RFL Academy competition this summer, as part of the three-year research project across Rugby League led by Leeds Beckett University. The project is quantifying head impact and acceleration exposures in the sport with the aim of increasing understanding and reducing future risk.

The following law modifications will be trialled over four rounds of the Academy competition from June 15 to July 30:

The legal tackle height will be reduced to below the armpit at initial contact, with penalisation for contact on the head and neck at any point.

Kick-offs will now be taken from 10 metres further forward – on the opposition’s 40-metre line, rather than the halfway line at present – to reduce the impact of ensuing collisions.

But what have fans made of this decision?

One fan didn’t oppose the decision but did propose perhaps a better alternative for the kick off rule that would perhaps look better on the eye.

https://twitter.com/timothybwood/status/1649699056770220034?s=20

However, unsurprisingly, some said it is “the death knell” for the sport.

The death knell of RL. Every adult knows it is a collision sport and partake willingly. Head high needs to be punished consistently. Same tackle gets a different outcome all the time at the moment during the game . Difficult for refs as it is.

— Mike Wilkinson (@mikeddpm) April 21, 2023

Many were flabbergasted by the new kick-off rule introduced questioning the merits of this rule change.

Kick off change increases likelihood of head contact as the defense will reach the catcher by the time the ball lands. The height of tackle change is ludicrous too, too hard to judge for referees. And what if a ball carrier uses shoulder into contact. It's an automatic penalty?

— Saddened! (@rlfansSaddened) April 21, 2023

One man implored people to embrace the change and said tackle technique can be changed and worked towards by players.

It’s can be done ✅ already coaching new tackle techniques for some time and up to now we’ve conceded no penalties in 2 season for head high. Catch up when your ready guys https://t.co/zFpo88Sx4S

— Dr. Stuart Wilkinson (@DrTalentCoach) April 22, 2023

This was in contrast to one other who said that the root of the problem is fatigued players who will no doubt make mistakes.

Very difficult to change your tackling technique in 6 weeks.Time to reduce defensive line from 10 metres.Great tacklers will make mistakes with players on the back of quick PTB’s with 10 metres and good feet at the line.Especially a fatigued middle player. https://t.co/mdooBViObc

— Phil Windley (@CoachWindley) April 22, 2023

But it was good to see one fan say it was “smart and pragmatic” noting that they are “a huge fan.”