Mad Monday - The Shoulder Charge Debate (2012)

The shoulder charge debate.

It's been raging all year and will continue to do so.

So let's get straight to it. Should it be banned?

No.

But, if it really is that big an issue, then it should cop a big suspension when it goes wrong. If a shoulder charge ends up collecting a player in the head, then that player can expect to be charged with no less than a Grade 3 reckless tackle charge.

We don't want to remove the big collisions and big hits that embody this great game, but at the same time, we don't want to see players getting smashed in the face and stretchered off the field. It's called finding a balance.

However, I think that the issue of shoulder charges is a minor one in comparison to something that is a horrible blight on the game which fails to be addressed.

Wrestling.

Ask anyone what aspects they love about Rugby League as a player and/or as a spectator. I can guarantee you no-one will say wrestling.

This madness about slowing down the play the ball has got out of hand. Referees can only do so much. I think it’s time a full-time match review committee is appointed and they will go over every game played in the NRL every week and issue out fines/suspensions to all players involved in this grotty behaviour.

The disgraceful maneuvers such as chicken wings, crusher tackles, knees in calf muscles and all that other rubbish is as bad and cowardly as eye gouging and biting and should be dealt with similarly.

The game is not about trying to debilitate your opponent by attacking their joints, crushing their windpipe, chewing on their limbs or raking their eyes out.

Dealing with the shoulder charge is easy and to be honest, can wait. This wrestling rubbish is infecting the game. The ARL Commission and the referee’s first true focus should be eradicating this aspect of the modern game. Dishing out severe penalties to clubs and players should be brought in immediately to wipe this crap out once and for all.