Arms in the tackle (or lack thereof)

[SpaceMonkey]

Now I like union as well as league, and enjoy watching both codes, but there's one rule gives me the shits about union. What the hell is with the obsession about players using their arms in the tackle? It seems stupid to penalise a player for a good shoulder charge, at the end of the day if you drop the shoulder into someone it makes bugger all difference whether or not you wrap your arms around the opponent. As long as the point of contact is below the neck what's the problem with it?

 

[Martli]

Yeah, that's a strange one. I wasn't even aware of this rule until I watched Australia vs. Pacific Islands.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Butch James from SA had a habit of getting pinged for dropping the shoulder. Jerry Collins has copped penaties for it too, as has Jonny Wilkinson.

 

[bayrep]

I think it has always been a rule that you have to tackle using your arms. I remember getting pinged for it when I was playing and that was a few years ago now. I am not sure of the reason. I thought you got pinged for it in league as well ?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

I think it has always been a rule that you have to tackle using your arms. I remember getting pinged for it when I was playing and that was a few years ago now. I am not sure of the reason. I thought you got pinged for it in league as well ?

League certainly has less strict policing of the rule than union if that's the case, when was the last time anyone got pinged for not using their arms in the NRL? Maybe you'd get penalised if you turned side on and lead with the point of the shoulder but as far as I'm aware it's fine to shoulder charge an opponent in league, at least if you do it front-on.

 

[Anonymous]

There is absolutely no rule against it in league.

I'm pretty sure the rule against it in Union is only recent. It's up there with the stupidest rules of all time. Basically an admission that they don't want big tackling in their game.

 

[Martli]

Jerry Collins has copped penaties for it too...

What hasen't he copped penalties for .

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Jerry Collins has copped penaties for it too...

What hasen't he copped penalties for .

Collins ain't that bad. If you want dirty AB players try Flavell, Maxwell or Loe...