Should league ban the shoulder charge?

1:05 PM Wednesday Nov 21, 2012

Digital image / P.K. Stowers

Fans and players are outraged the shoulder charge is to be banned from the NRL, but team doctors have welcomed the move.

The Australian Rugby League Commission outlawed the no-arms tackle last night, ruling it was too dangerous in the current game, with the increased size of players leading to an unacceptable injury risk.

The shoulder charge has been in the spotlight after a handful of tackles led to players being knocked out in the 2012 NRL in particular.

An ARLC review into the tackle found that while it only accounted for 0.05 percent of tackles in the season, 17 percent resulted in contact with the head of the attacking player, and 5 percent resulted in injury.

Should league ban the shoulder charge? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

Ninja Skills () | 01:25PM Wednesday, 21 Nov 2012

I can understand why they want to ban the Shoulder Charge because of all the head contacts that have happened. But come on..... when a shoulder charge is done legally its pure bliss. Don't ban the perfect shoulder charge, ban the head high.

Verbatim (New Zealand) | 01:40PM Wednesday, 21 Nov 2012

Although watching Ben Matulino's shoulder charges is something I find extremely enjoyable, we are talking about preventing potentially serious injuries here so it is time to send the shoulder charge the same way as spear tackles. There will still be big hits, so I don't think we will miss much.

Why wait until someone is paralysed or dies on a league field before we take action.

Claire () | 01:40PM Wednesday, 21 Nov 2012

No No No! This is just more PC Bulls***, Every way we turn these days someone wants to spoil other people's fun/entertainment! It was Rodeos last week.
There's danger in every walk of life not just Rugby League! Soon We'll all have to stay inside & sit in front of TV because Life is too 'dangerous'.