The RFL revealed recently that new rule changes are coming to the game to avoid concussion.
This comes after ex players have banded together to take legal action against the sport which threatens to grow insurance costs which has helped force the sport’s hand.
In 2024, the community game will ban tackles over the armpit and these rules are set to come into the professional sport in 2025.
This has been highly questioned and now by St Helens legend James Graham. He said on the Bye Round:
“Let’s quote them on the changes. So, ‘we believe they are essential as rugby league must respond to developments in medical and scientific knowledge to prioritise the safety of those that play. And also that they offer exciting opportunities to increase the appeal and accessibility of rugby league, especially at junior and community levels. There’s another quote as well, make the game safer and more accessible at all levels’.
“For me I’m like, is that the primary goal of our sport? To make it safe? Safer, but 100% safe? I think things like inclusivity are a bit of a buzzword at the moment. I don’t know if tackle and contact sport is for every kid. Certain people are attracted to this sport because there is that physical element to it.
“I think some of these changes that they’ve implemented will have a positive effect on the individual and potential long-term health consequences, and possibly have a positive and reducing the potential of a traumatic brain injury or a degenerative brain issue further down the track.
“But I’ve got to say, I think some of them are a bit of an overreach and the unintended consequences of these decisions could be incredibly detrimental to the game.”
Graham spoke about the impact this could have on participation:
“If the Rugby Football League are trying to increase participation by bringing in these changes at the community level, so basically from under 9s no contact. I don’t disagree with that. I think if the experts say that, then you’ve got to trust them.
“By reducing the tackle height from shoulder to armpit. Is there any parent, or let’s say any member of the community, any child that’s thinking about playing a sport goes, no, I’m in now. Is that going to make a difference? Like, is that going to significantly reduce the risk?”
But the former St Helens star fears it won’t make the sport more attractive:
“I don’t know how much this is going to do to bring new fans into the game and new participants or bring people back to the game versus what it’s going to do to the people that are currently involved in the game. I don’t know how many are going to walk away from it.”
“Maybe in 10 years time, in 20 years time, we’ll see the significant change and we’ll look back at these comments and go, oh, what a dick I was. I should have known better.
“I do want to put trust in those people that are making these decisions and are behind these decisions. I’m hopeful that they get the desired outcome. Personally, a bit sceptical, but I hope that they get the desired outcome.
“Reduce number of concussions all up, reduce degenerative brain issues later down the track, and greater participation. If they get those three things right, and they all improve, that’s a win.”
