Top NRL players demand shoulder charge stay in the game

LEADING NRL stars are opposing moves to ban shoulder charges and Broncos prop Petero Civoniceva demands proof they can lead to serious injuries.

LEADING NRL stars are opposing moves to have the shoulder charge outlawed and Broncos prop Petero Civoniceva has called on the medical fraternity to produce iron-clad proof the tackle can lead to serious injuries.

As Souths ace Greg Inglis starts a three-match ban for his hit on Dragons forward Dean Young, Civoniceva is one of several topliners not convinced the code should follow rugby union's lead by cracking down on the shoulder charge.

A medical-based committee has been formed to investigate the potential health ramifications of shoulder charges, but Civoniceva - the Rugby League Players Association general president - is determined to have player input.

"To be honest, I don't have a problem with them (shoulder charges)," said Civoniceva, the most capped representative forward in NRL history.

"If the doctors can produce some evidence that shows shoulder charges will be the cause of some serious head trauma, then we need to look at that.

"We need all the evidence to make an informed decision, but I'm from the old school I guess.

"I don't mind that kind of stuff, but we're evolving as a game and if we can make the game safer we have to do that.

"It's important we hear what the players have to say, but there's no point raising this issue unless there is some serious evidence that is brought forward that shoulder charges are a major concern."

Civoniceva has found allies in Cowboys duo Johnathan Thurston and Matt Bowen, who believe the NRL has adequate punishments in place if a defender is guilty of injuring a ball runner with a shoulder charge.

Civoniceva's Broncos teammate Josh McGuire joined the outcry yesterday, insisting the shoulder charge had to remain part of the game's fabric.

"You can't take it out of the game," he said. "I think it's a part of rugby league. It has been since I started and you can't take it out of the game.

"People will get hurt, it's a contact sport, and nine times out of 10 it comes off OK and the fans love it.

"On one occasion someone will get hurt, but that's part of football."

The Broncos were at the centre of the shoulder-charge debate earlier this season when hard-hitting utility Ben Te'o was rubbed out for two matches for a shot that knocked out Tigers prop Matt Groat.

Broncos lock Corey Parker saw the Te'o tackle from close range, but admits the game can do without major head trauma incidents.

"It's been part of the game for a long time. I've never tried it, have a look at the size of me," Parker said.

"But you don't want to see results like you have seen with players knocked out and carried off in medicabs."