The NRL is reportedly considering changes to its kickoff rules to discourage ‘off the back fence’ hit-ups and reduce the risk of head injury from the resulting high-impact collisions.
Charging runs, usually by front-rowers, from beyond the goal-line have long been a popular feature of the Rugby league code, but this year’s competition was marred by a couple of notable incidents that resulted in injuries and suspensions, as administrators try to make the game safer.
St George centre Moses Suli left a game with concussion after he tried to tackle charging Kiwis and Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on Anzac Day.
That incident started the wheels turning on possible rule changes, with NRL elite football head Graham Annesley saying earlier in the year: “Player safety is a high priority for the [Australian Rugby League] Commission, it’s a high priority for the administration.”
Zac Lomax of the Dragons prepares for kick off (Source: Getty)
Giant NZ international Nelson Asofa-Solomona was suspended for five games, including the NRL Grand Final and Pacific Championships, for his high hit on counterpart Lindsay Collins from the opening kickoff of Melbourne Storm’s playoff showdown with Sydney Roosters.
Wide World of Sport reports the NRL is considering punishing teams for kickoffs beyond the opposition 20-metre line on the full by awarding their opponents a subsequent seven-tackle set.
The move would undoubtedly spark outcry from rugby league purists opposed to changes to a game beloved for its collisions, as powers-that-be try to avoid ongoing brain injuries inflicting players beyond retirement.
Head injuries — and resulting law suits — have become a major issue across the world’s sporting codes, and this kickoff rule would follow a similar change in American football.
This year, the NFL has introduced a rule that sees kick-chasers line up on the opposition 40, unable to move until the ball touches the ground. The ball must land between the 20-yard and goal lines, with anything longer punished by an automatic start of play on the 30.
“We’re seeing lower impacts that have led to less severe injuries and less number of injuries, so I think it’s working,” says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
