NewsCorp readers have their say on the tackle, finals changes coming into NSW junior footy

As NewsLocal covered a petition speaking out against changes for junior rugby league in NSW, readers have had their say on the tackling ban for U6s and no finals until teenage years. YOUR SAY.

AS WE covered news of a petition circulating against proposed changes to NSWRL junior competitions from next year onwards, NewsCorp readers had their say on the issue.
From next year tackling will not be introduced until June in the U7s division, and finals will not take place until U10s, with that to rise to U13s in 2026.

A poll conducted by NewsLocal asking whether respondents agreed to the changes saw a resounding 85 per cent of voters say they were against the new rules.

The petition has since climbed to almost 7500 signatures, after former The Biggest Loser trainer Shannan Ponton spoke exclusively to NewsLocal.

He stressed the importance of kids learning to tackle the correct way at a young age to set them up for their teenage years, taking aim at the ‘woke NRL agenda’.

“These recommendations come from drs (doctors) and also part of the NRLs (sic) plan to make the game safer for younger ones. Nothing to do with ‘wokeness.’ Smh (shaking my head),” Emma Chap said on the Penrith Press socials.

“It’s not about winning or loosing (sic) it’s about having fun and making friends. The winning will come from that,” Neil John agreed with the changes on the Parramatta Advertiser Facebook page.

“Because he knows losing teachs (sic) us more lessons than winning does … kids need loss to build resilience and understand the importance of team work as well as that feel of winning something when you have worked hard for things. they need to learn before the age of 13,” Peter J Thiele agreed with Ponton on the Macarthur Chronicle’s socials.

Leading concussion researcher Dr Adrian Cohen said the sport could take lessons from America, and extend the tackling ban until kids reach their teenage years.

Macarthur Chronicle readers were quite vocal when it came to the prospect of no tackling until 14, with over 1.1k reactions and 1.5k comments on a Facebook post.

“Kids need to learn proper technique from a young age so when they get to the tuff (sic) stuff they have the tools in the kit to deal with it. Yes take steps to protect the head as much as possible, but starting contact at 14 with developing teens is a recipe for disaster,” Clay Sharman commented.

“At 14 my son was nearly 6ft and 102kg. Good luck learning to tackle kids this size running at you with no prior tackling experience. Essential kids learn correct tackling techniques when young so they know where to put their head (and where not to) to avoid injury. Equally important they wear head gear,” Bill Winning added to the debate.

“If tackling and bracing yourself for a tackle is not taught at a young age then in 20 years time you will have neck and shoulder issues, I agree with resting a week or so after a concussion and also having a doctor examine the players on a case-by-case bases but if you prevent the learning correct technique it will create larger issues later in the game,” Matt Nutter said.

What’s your take on the issue? Let us know in the comments below.

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