Monday Buzz: NRL only has itself to blame for rise of hip-drop tackles
Greg Alexander has been in the spotlight for blaming the Melbourne Storm for the rise of the hip-drop, but the NRL only has itself to blame, writes PHIL ROTHFIELD.
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The NRL has only itself to blame for the hip-drop tackle scourge with an analysis of match-review records over the last four years revealing a history of hopelessly inadequate punishments.
In that time 42 players have been charged – and found guilty – of hip-drop tackles yet 21 of those players escaped suspension.
Another 11 players were suspended for only one week.
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The analysis also shows that the Brisbane Broncos – and not Melbourne Storm - have been the worst offenders with eight charges – Thomas Flegler (three times), Alex Glenn (twice), Joe Ofahengaue, Isaac Luke and Patrick Carrigan, who copped the four-game ban last week.
The Storm have had four – Jesse Bromwich, Harry Grant, Max King and then Brandon Smith on Friday night against the Gold Coast Titans.
Smith, like so many others, escaped suspension.
It is an interesting finding in light of the SEN radio brawl between footy legends Greg Alexander and Cameron Smith, in which Alexander claimed it was Storm’s fault for the latest foul-play problem in the game.
Broncos forward Flegler, a three-time offender, copped a $1000 fine for his first offence, two games for his second offence and a pathetic $750 for his third offence.
Of the 42 players – only three of them have been suspended for four weeks or longer – St George Illawarra’s Tyrell Fuimaono (five weeks), Carrigan (four) and the Dragons’ Josh McGuire (five).
This is despite obvious evidence that only adequate punishment drives behavioural change in rugby league.
There have been some shocking injuries as a result of the tackles – Haze Dunster (knee) full season, Jackson Hastings (broken leg), Euan Aitken (syndesmosis surgery), Emre Guler (broken ankle) and Daniel Saifiti (broken leg.)
There have been other serious injuries from hip-drop tackles that the match review committee failed to even detect.
Cronulla fullback Will Kennedy is out for four weeks with an ankle injury after being on the receiving end of a hip drop from South Sydney forward Tevita Tatola last weekend.
There was no charge despite obvious video evidence.
League immortal Andrew Johns is leading the calls for tougher punishment.
“You do a hip-drop, 12 weeks on the sideline at a minimum,” he said.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters refuses to accept his club has a problem.
“It’s rubbish to suggest we practice it at training,” Walters said.
“I don’t think anyone does it intentionally.
“We’re among the worst wrestlers in the comp – and it’s probably been costing us in the last few weeks. I’ve never coached that way.
“It’s a physical game but players don’t go out there to snap someone’s leg or maim their opponents.”
Whatever the case the NRL needs to get its act together.
Their credibility has been shot to bits. The match review committee is like a lucky dip.
On Saturday night Sharks star Connor Tracey was knocked unconscious and carried from the field on a stretcher – the victim of a shocking and blatant high tackle.
Tariq Sims was only sin-binned but later charged with a grade three offence for what should have been an instant send-off.
Every week there is inconsistency around the judiciary and on field decisions.
It has got to stop.
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