There was no malice but you place your hand between an opponent’s legs and lift, you create the situation where this can happen! Mclean did this at least 3 times during the game - the combination of elements in the other instances didn’t cause the results that occurred for Alex but the potential was there. And yes, there were other tackles by other players during the game that were lifting tackles and/or dangerous but it is not the point at the moment.
For mine, Mclean's involvement was the principle cause of the tackle resulting in Mackinnon ending up on his head. The BS about Mackinnon 'ducking' his head, making him responsible for his injury is just crap – the points made by others here re being placed in the position illegally (hand between the legs and lifting past the horizontal) is the ‘cause’ – everything that occurs after that is the ‘effect’ (Alex looking to protect himself by ducking his head, etc.)...if his head hadn't 'ducked' he would have been driven with the same intensity, just face first into the turf and still with no protection for his neck...as much as it distresses me to see the state Alex is in now, it might have been even worse.
Just to touch on something not really covered in this thread earlier…he is a very tall player which is an important point in the physics of the tackling style he used on the occasions I mentioned earlier – with a hand placed between the tackled player’s legs and him standing upright, he automatically creates the pivot point for the tackled player being tipped past the horizontal because, even if the tackled player has some contact with the ground with his other leg, the physics don’t allow him to regain a level back to horizontal because of Mclean’s height - this was actually more obvious in the other tackles I mentioned earlier although they obviously didn’t result in harm or injury.
You might say that the style was mostly effective then, if that was the result of his previous tackles but my point is the technique was flawed and in this instance it is the bio-mechanics that creates the ‘cause’, not the intent. Having said all of that, I don't believe Mclean should be crucified for the results of the tackle - I'm sure he feels terrible and had no intention of causing injury. But his technique and execution are the problem and that is what the league need to deal with in this particular instance. The bigger issue of removing lifting tackles in general is a separate matter to be dealt with by the NRL.
My best wishes go out to Alex and his family at this difficult time and I hope for a full and speedy recovery...my thoughts are also with the Storm players involved - it is never any players intention to inflict severe injury on your opponent.
I am a Knights season ticket holder and my family and I will be there to 'Rise For Alex' on Sunday…and we will be there in the weeks and months to come to ensure one of our favourite sons is looked after going forward.
Finally - They breed Hunter Boys tough Alex...no matter what they say you can’t do and however long it takes, prove them wrong and go one better! Best wishes for a speedy and full recovery...and Newie will be there for you every step of the way!
