Coaches agree on grapple tackle measures

The National Rugby League coaches and referees have met in Sydney today and have agreed to new measures to eliminate the so called ‘grapple tackle’.

All fifteen clubs represented at the meeting supported plans to ensure that any unnecessary contact with the head or neck, particularly in relation to arms being wrapped around players’ heads or necks will result in an on-field penalty. This will be regardless of whether there is any ‘grappling motion’ beyond that contact.

The match review committee will of course retain the option of taking further action where necessary.

“The coaches concede that it has been a difficult tackle to deal with but that it is one that we need to stamp out,” NRL Chief Operating Officer, Mr Graham Annesley said today.

“They’ve asked that referees be extremely vigilant from the moment the trial matches commence on February 11 so that players receive a clear signal on what to expect.

“The coaches were very supportive of what needs to be achieved in eliminating these tackles and wanted to send a strong message to all players.“

It was also made clear from today’s meeting that there would be no back-down in relation to the game’s hard line stance against dangerous throws.

All clubs will be sent video material emphasising the types of tackles that may lead to charges in the 2006 season.

The coaches have also asked referees to make some minor adjustments to how they adjudicate on players who are legitimately ‘held’ in an upright position and then lifted and pushed back by other tacklers, or thrown to the ground after the tackle has been completed.

“The clear message from the coaches is that they want the ball carriers protected against injury,” Mr Annesley said.

“Neither of the areas in question require any rule changes but there will be guidelines sent to all clubs to ensure that they are aware of the interpretations that will take place.”

There was some discussion on whether to recommend three rule changes:

• That a restart after a failed penalty attempt (assuming the ball has gone dead) should be by way of a tap kick to the defending team.
• That all free kicks (tap restarts) should take place 20m in from touch instead of 10.
• That a ball which is lost in a one-on-one strip should be declared neutral – eliminating difficult knock-on decisions.

After some debate it was agreed that there was not sufficient benefit from any of the proposals to recommend changes to the current rules.

The coaches have stressed the importance of such meetings and requested they be held earlier in the off season to allow more time to coach their players in relation to any changes. The December Annual Conference was suggested as the best time.

“It was a very productive discussion between the game’s coaches, our new full-time referees, the Referees’ Coach, the Match Review Coordinator and NRL football operations staff,” Mr Annesley concluded.