The grapple tackle

[King of the Hill]

NRL issues tackle warning

31 May 2004


The National Rugby League has today advised all clubs of the guidelines it will use to discourage so called 'grapple tackles' from round 13 onwards.

In deciding to lay no charges over grapple tackles this weekend, the NRL Match Review Committee decided that it would be inappropriate to begin charging certain players in isolation when they were of the view that this style of tackle was becoming increasingly widespread.

All clubs have today been given a clear warning that the committee will not be bound by such precedents from this weekend.

“The NRL has advised all clubs of the guidelines that will be used in determining whether a tackle is deemed to be potentially dangerous,” NRL chief operating officer, Mr Graham Annesley said today.

“The circular allows clubs time to advise their players of the things both the referees and the judiciary will be looking for.

“In reviewing a number of tackles over the weekend the committee had to concede that it appears the practice was occurring across a range of different games.

“There has been a growing concern about tackles where players are being grabbed around the head or neck.

“Rather than be accused of launching a crackdown without warning, the NRL is advising all clubs of just how this area is to be enforced going forward.

“There will be no point in clubs or players pointing to what has happened before round 13 if they find themselves penalized or charged after today.”

The clubs today were advised that:

“While minor incidental and accidental contact with the head or neck will still occur from time to time and may not breach the rules of the game, any unnecessary contact with the head or neck of an opponent will risk penalty by the referee on the field, and in more serious cases may result in a misconduct charge under the judiciary code of procedure.

The indicators that may be used in determining an illegal action in a tackle will include:

* Defenders merely grasping the head or neck of an opponent in a tackle where more than one tackler is involved

* Defenders making a legitimate upper body tackle, but then sliding or moving up to grasp the head or neck in completing the tackle

* Any pulling or jerking of the head or neck in an attempt to roll the ball carrier over in completing the tackle

* Restraining the ball carrier on the ground by his head or neck to slow the play-the-ball

* Any other unnecessary contact with the head or neck in effecting a tackle

This advice is much more than simply a case of attempting to eliminate a tactical ploy.

Forceful and unnecessary contact with the head or neck of an opponent is a player safety issue and the NRL has a responsibility to ensure players are not placed at risk in this way.

Clearly, it would be better for all concerned if this type of tackle was eradicated voluntarily by players and coaches without the need for punitive action by match officials or the judiciary.

However, if this is not the case, clubs should expect that appropriate action may be implemented both on and off the field.”

---
Finally the grapple tackle is on the way out
Stupid f**kin' tactics

 

[Macca]

The grapple tackle is a massive issue. It must be stamped out. Well done to the NRL.

 

[warren]

it's about bloody time the NRL did something about this. how will the stomrs cope now?

 

[Dragon Slayer]

Looks like there wrestling coach will be looking for a new job come tomorrow........

 

[Generalzod]

NRL there a joke, What's the big idea in sending a warning to all Clubs in regards to the Grapple tackle.
Everybody knows that Melbourne are the only team doing it,
They were doing it for a long time and the NRL decide now to act on it.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm a massive fan of this warning. The grapple tackle is a blight on the game... who wants to see a broken neck as a result?

Its just not footy.

 

[Alan Shore]

Melbourne will be fine anyway. They have alot of class, this shouldn't affect them.

 

[King of the Hill]

I disagree
I think theyre over rated
There's been a lot of talk lately about the Storm being "genuine premiership contenders"
The Sharks smashed them
They wont win the comp

Regardless, the grapple tackle has to go
It will be interesting to see how they play without that cheap tactic

 

[blacktip-reefy]

they will go great as long as they have Cameron smith on the ground for them.

 

[imasharkie]

I thought they warned the storm at the beginning of the season about this tackle and that if they continued to do it(which they did) they would be penalised

 

[Opes]

Finally, someone else is sick of Michael Crocker's scumbag tackles. He consistantly wraps around the head, then pushes down on the face and sometimes even rakes at it with his fingers.

I hope that scumbag is the first penalised by the 'new' ruling :!:

 

[Generalzod]

Finally, someone else is sick of Michael Crocker's scumbag tackles. He consistantly wraps around the head, then pushes down on the face and sometimes even rakes at it with his fingers.

I hope that scumbag is the first penalised by the 'new' ruling :!:

Crocker his been doing those kind of tackles for a long time now, but the worst tackle I saw of his is when he attack the head of Schifcofske in last years match between the Roosters and the raiders.
Not only did Schifcofske knocked the ball on, he came flying thru hitting him in the head with his forearm. And nothing gets done about it beacuse you guest it the Roosters are the Benchmark.

 

[King of the Hill]

Crocker is a grub
He carries on about how he is the new Gorden Tallis, he's got that wrong

Gordy is hated by NSW fans because he is a tough, hard, passionate footballer who more often than not gets the better of his Mexican opponents. At the heart of the matter is a respectful admiration and affection for the man who plays it tough but plays it fair.

Crocker is a despicable individual whose questionable skill (nothing like Gordy's) is eclipsed many times over by his disgusting cheap shots. He is a blight on the game. Week in and week out he does a head high tackle, a late hit, or a hit on a player who is coming down from leaping into the air to catch the ball, not to mention rubbing his hands all over the head of the defenceless tackled player.

My favourite Crocker memory was in one of the games on the GB tour last year when he had a few cheap shots at an English bloke whose arms were pinned behind him in a tackle. The Pom got up and decked the prick. Sweet justice.

Crocker is kidding himself if he thinks he is the new Gorden Tallis. Tallis will be remembered for his fearless play, Crocker will be remembered for his niggling tactics and cheap shots. If anything, Crocker is the new John Hopoate and should be recognised as such.

 

[Sharkette]

Adrian Morely has taught him well.

 

[Macca]

they will go great as long as they have Cameron smith on the ground for them.

Looks like I'll be enjoying a nice cold beer free of charge come round 15, eh SS?

 

[King of the Hill]

yes it does
:x
:lol:

 

[Macca]

yes it does
:x
:lol:

Thankyou Reefy, thankyou SS and thankyou Garbo! (Garbo did fug all, as usual)

 

[Pierre the Horrible]

Grapple tackle, grapple tackle.... You aint seen a grapple tackle till ya witness Fizman, Pierre, Beeker, Coolum and McSharkie in action at the Caxton this Sunday!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[Sharkman]

Its not just the storm, there's an article in todays tele which clearly shows Buderus and an some other Knights using it in the game against Melb.

 

[Dragon Slayer]

Cliff Lyons didn't like the grapple tackle although that was a different head.........