Rugby League: Storm over Melbourne tackling technique

SYDNEY - The National Rugby League (NRL) has vowed to get to grips with Melbourne Storm players' tendency to put opponents in headlocks in an attempt to slow the play of the ball.

The "grapple" tackle controversy came to light late last season when Melbourne players were accused of attempting to get rival players in headlocks and twisting during gang tackles.

It was outlawed last year but Newcastle coach Michael Hagan sent a video showing examples of the practice to the NRL referees' boss, Robert Finch, after the Knights' 36-26 victory last Sunday.

Finch put Melbourne on notice their players face suspensions if they continue with their controversial technique.

He rang Storm coach Craig Bellamy yesterday, warning him several of his players would be under the spotlight this weekend when Melbourne clash with St George-Illawarra.

Paul Simpkins, who will handle the Storm-Dragons clash, has been told by Finch to keep a close eye on any illegal tackles.

The warnings come despite a clear directive from the NRL during the pre-season that players who are found guilty of the controversial tackling style would face harsh penalties.

Several Knights players complained a number of times to referee Shayne Hayne during last Sunday's game about the tackles but no on-field action was taken.

Hagan highlighted at least six examples of the "grapple" tackle in an edited video.

Knights captain Andrew Johns, playing his second game back from a serious neck injury, was one of the victims, as was rookie fullback David Seage and prop Matt Parsons.

"The bottom line is they are dangerous and everyone has been made aware the practice has been outlawed," Hagan told The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Finch admitted he was already aware of "a number of incidents" after viewing footage of the game.

"I have spoken to Craig in respect of the tackling technique of some of his players and he is fully aware of the standards that we have set in relation to that," Finch said.

"It's only a small minority of their players at fault, it is certainly not the majority."

The New Zealand Warriors meet Melbourne at Ericsson Stadium in round eight of the NRL late next month.

- NZPA