NRL: Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves doesn’t want players exploiting the foul play crackdown

The NRL’s stance on foul play is justified, but Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves warns some players are exploiting the crackdown.

Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves says it’s on the players to ‘be better’ and adjust their tackling technique. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images.

Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves says it’s on the players to “be better” and adjust their tackling technique, but he also doesn’t want rival teams exploiting the foul play crackdown by staying down and “milking” penalties.

The NRL’s tough stance on foul play has dominated conversation following a record 14 sin bins and three send-offs during last weekend’s Magic Round.

League fans and legends alike have criticised the decision to take a harsher stance due to fears it would change the physical fabric of rugby league.

Waerea-Hargreaves backs the NRL’s stance on foul play, but he is concerned about players manipulating the increased focused on contact with the head.

Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves doesn’t want players ‘milking’ penalties. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“There were a fair few occasions there where players were going down on the weekend, and as players you just want it to be fair and you don’t want players to be milking the situation,” Waerea-Hargreaves said.

“You want them to play fair and get on with the game.”

Waerea-Hargreaves believes the crackdown on high shots needs to find a balance, especially with incidental contact, but he believes the emphasis for change lies largely on the players’ shoulders.

“There has been so much speculation on concussions, and player welfare is priority for us, so I think that is accepting and adopting,” he said.

“The NRL made a stand, and as players we need to be better.

“It is going to take time, but if it doesn’t you are going to be sitting on the sideline for 10 minutes.

“But as players you just need to be more aware of the contact zone that you are coming into contact with.

JWH says players need to be more aware of the ‘contact zone’. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

“Otherwise, you will be sitting down for 10 minutes – it is pretty black and white.”

Waerea-Hargreaves also agrees with his coach Trent Robinson’s view that the game needs an end-of-season review to discuss the code’s long-term plan for acts of foul play.

The NRL has received criticism for only contacting clubs via email to inform them about the new edict when tackle techniques take time to modify.

There is also a push for players to return to the old leg tackles, which is problematic according to Waerea-Hargreaves.

“It is hard, for us here at the Roosters, we go high first and wrap up the ball,” he said.

“We go for the torso region because if you go low there is a good chance the player is going to get quick and play the ball.

“I’m not too sure what it looks like to reward the low tackle, whether you allow some guy to flop in or slow the ruck down a little bit, but I’m not too sure how it looks.

“It is definitely a talking point, that is for sure.”

Originally published as NRL: Sydney Roosters prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves doesn’t want players exploiting the foul play crackdown