I ead that some stakeholders in the game are pushing for the ban of the conventional kick-off to limit the risk of concussion. Whilst player welfare is paramount, it's hard for me imagine the game without the iconic kick-off return which is unmatched by any other sport. Can you imagine the excitement of Origin starting off with a play-the-ball? Or in a GF? The iconic kick-off is like lifting the lid off the pressure cooker after all the pre-game build up and excitement.
I think the game is going to be very different a decade from now, they'll probably just outright ban any tackling above the shoulder.
Whileever we have an ARL Commision comprised of people who have never played the game or been involved in club admin at NRL level, who knows what rule changes will be made.
No doubt the business people on the ARLC are well meaning, but I have been saying for years the balance is way out. An ex referee, ex coach and ex club ceo could provide a much better insight as to how the game should be played than someone who has never played It.
Personally I think the game was better in the 1990’s. When the 10 metre rule was introduced, it offered more room for players to move, but it also means the collisions are much harder now. The other quite noticeable thing is that many modern first graders can’t tackle properly. How often do you see a player attempt a front on tackle aiming at the hips of the ball carrier and put his head in the wrong place? I.E. not to one side.
With the dominant tackle so important these days it leads to 3 man tackles where it can easily go wrong but teams do it because they get more latitude before having to release the tackle.
I have believed for a long time that the dominant tackle should be a legs tackle, like we used to see one of our all time greats (Turvey), make numerous times.
