NRL crackdown: Junior footy parents support code’s hard line head knock stance

It may have caused controversy in the NRL, but the code’s concussion crackdown has received the thumbs up from junior league players’ parents.

Parents of junior rugby league players have said they are taking comfort in the hard line stance on head contact being taken in the NRL.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys is spearheading the rugby league body’s crackdown on high contact, which he says will hopefully help preserve the health of current and future players.

Strict send-off penalties and stiff fines for head contact by tacklers has sparked fierce debate in the sport, with some arguing the crackdown is too harsh.

Natalie Tonga with her son Hugo and Stephanie Mahoney with her son James. Both boys play for the Maroubra Lions under 7's. Picture: Richard Dobson

But football mum Natalie Tonga, whose seven-year-old son Hugo plays for the Maroubra Lions, told The Daily Telegraph the increased focus on safety could only be a good thing.

“We just don’t know the full impact of concussions yet. Anything to keep the kids safe is good,” Ms Tonga said.

“Hugo has been in sports since he was four. He absolutely loves NRL and plays rain, hail or shine. I’m happy they are coming down hard on it for the future generations.”

Maroubra Lions under 7's players Finn Reynolds, James Mahoney, Ted Hamilton , Hugo Tonga, Liam Morrissey, Nicholas Kondilios and Yusef Varol. Picture: Richard Dobson

She said junior managers had recently reminded players to tackle from the shoulder down in a team email, a move prompted by the recent rule changes.

Former South Sydney footballer John Minto’s three boys aged 12, 14 and 16, also play junior rugby league.

Mr Minto, who suffered two to three concussions each of the nine seasons he played, said the crackdown was positive.

“It’s a good thing. Head injuries are permanent. You can have other injuries that you can rehabilitate but it is very difficult to rehabilitate a head injury,” Mr Minto said.

He said the school competitions have this season introduced a blue card penalty which means players who have knocked their heads are sidelined for 19 days.

“It’s probably in line with the NRL. We don’t have a problem with it in junior rugby league, but the changes they are making are all good because we won’t have a problem. And as they get older, the damage is even greater,” he said.