Clubs on notice: NRL email reveals fresh crackdown

The NRL has officially put clubs and players on notice, with the governing body warning a crackdown will be implemented following a sharp rise in dangerous contact incidents involving ball carriers.

The NRL has officially put clubs and players on notice over the use of ‘bumpers’ after a spate of charges and concerning acts through the opening 20 rounds of the season.

NRL head of football Graham Annesley sent an email to clubs on Wednesday illustrating the dramatic increase in incidents this season where the player in possession of the ball has led with their forearm and made dangerous contact with the head or neck of an opponent.

“Match review data from the 2023 Telstra Premiership has shown a concerning trend of players in possession of the ball leading with their forearms and making dangerous contact with the head or neck of defenders,” Annesley wrote.

“In a significant increase on previous seasons, to date in 2023 there has been 53 incidents of this type reviewed by the match review committee resulting in 7 charges and 7 concerning act notices.

“Clearly, when attacking players raise and extend a forearm as they approach defenders, it significantly increases the risk of making dangerous contact to the head or neck at the point of impact.”

TIno Fa’asuamaleaui broke Api Koroisau’s jaw in this collision. Picture: Fox League

Gold Coast forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has become the poster boy for the use of bumpers this season after an incident that left Wests Tigers and NSW hooker Api Koroisau with a broken jaw that ruled him out of the Origin series.

Fa’asuamaleaui was cleared over the Koroisau incident by the match review committee but was charged over a similar incident involving Bulldogs hooker Reed Mahoney, receiving a fine.

Parramatta winger Maika Sivo is also believed to be in the NRL’s crosshairs, having been fined $2,000 for his third incident of the year after catching Dolphins’ winger Jamayne Isaako last month.

That same weekend, Storm forward Aaron Pene was fined $1,000 for an incident that forced Manly hooker Lachlan Croker from the field for a HIA.

Annesley reinforced the email was to serve as a wake-up call to players and clubs.

“This is purely pro-active information for clubs based on data we have been monitoring throughout the season,” Annesley said.

“It’s something that be easily addressed by clubs through coaching as and when necessary.

“No one wants to see clubs impacted by sanctions imposed on offenders, or potential injuries received by defenders.

Maika Sivo. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty

“I’m sure clubs appreciate the opportunity to address the issue internally to avoid it impacting them on the field.”

Annesley reminded clubs that players have an obligation under the rules to avoid unnecessary forceful contact to the head and neck of an opponent, whether they are defending or attacking.

“Action may be taken by match officials or the match review committee if an attacking player extends the ball carrying arm, or the non-ball carrying arm, away from the body resulting in dangerous contact with the head or neck of a defending player,” Annesley wrote.

“An attacking player may use the forearm in a protective manner when bracing for the tackle impact, provided they keep it close to their own body without raising or extending either arm.

“Lifting and/or extending the forearm away from the body and making dangerous contact with an opponent, significantly increases the risk of conceding a penalty, being placed on report, sin-binned, sent-off, or suspended, depending on the seriousness.”

Originally published as Clubs on notice: NRL email reveals fresh crackdown