NRL: Hannant condones Storm grapple tackle

Ben Hannant of the Broncos says the Storm tackling techniques are legal. Photo / Getty Images

Representative Brisbane prop Ben Hannant has weighed into the latest storm over Melbourne's controversial tackling tactics saying critics should just accept they do it better than anyone else.

Former Melbourne NRL flyer Chris Walker re-ignited the annual grapple tackle and wrestling debate with a series of stinging comments he posted on Twitter after the Storm shut down St George Illawarra in a grinding 8-6 win on Friday night.

"Melbourne & (coach) Craig Bellamy have f----d league with the way they employ wrestling moves, grapple, etc, it's not MMA or wrestling, IT'S RL!!!!," tweeted Walker, one of only two players sacked by Bellamy during his time at the helm of the Storm.

A rugby league maverick, Walker's attack sparked an angry response from Melbourne officials who said the club had sacked Walker in 2006 after seven games because "he failed the culture of the group".

"I don't think they grapple, they don't grapple at all," said Hannant who'll sit out Monday night's clash with Newcastle to ensure he's fit for next Sunday's bumper home clash with South Sydney.

"Everything is legal. Everything they do (tackling) is legal, they're just perfect at it.

"I'd be stoked if we (Brisbane) could do it as good as they do it.

"It's hours and hours of training. It's like any profession, you work hard at your trade, you reap the rewards.

"I haven't seen many of their games but if they break the rules, the refs will blow a penalty.

"There's a reason why they're top of the table and it's because they train as hard as anyone, they grind teams out, they're well disciplined and they stick to their game plan."

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin, who promoted winger Jharal Yow Yeh into his starting side after training on Sunday, had no issues with Melbourne's defensive tactics.

"I don't have any problems (with how they tackle) none at all," said Griffin who's side was on the end of a 20-point loss to Melbourne earlier this month.

"They defended a game on Monday night and they only needed one try to win which shows you how good they are at what they do.

"I've got no problem at all."

Hannant admitted he'd been tempted to play against the Knights before Griffin pulled rank and ruled him out.

"I was keen as to play this weekend but I think the coach has made the wise decision," said Hannant.

"I'm running pretty freely and wrestling and tackling but if I was to re-tear it this weekend I'd be out for another few weeks and rushing back for the finals with no games under my belt."

Despite being ruled out, Hannant was on a high after watching five-year-old son Kye play his first game during the halftime break in the game between the Gold Coast and Canberra at Skilled Park.

"That was pretty special for me and my family, my wife and his grandparents watching Kye play his first game.

"He loved it. He got paint from the try line over him and thought he was just like dad, it was a great night."

- AAP