Calls for change after 12yo shatters shoulder in dangerous lifting tackle

The father of a schoolboy whose shoulder was shattered after a dangerous tackle during a division three rugby league match is calling for change.

The frightening moment a 12-year-old boy was thrown to the ground in a dangerous high tackle during a junior rugby league match is being investigated.

Sydney schoolboy Oliver Campbell is recovering from a shattered shoulder after the incident which took place in a match between the De La Salle and Kogarah under-12s.

He is unable to attend school this week and no longer wants to return to the game.

His dad Peter told Code Sports the boy who made the tackle was of such a superior skill level that he should have been playing in the division above.

“Kids aren’t that aggressive in division three – that’s why they’re playing division three. Kids that want to go and smash each other – that’s what the top divisions are for,” he said.

“You can see on the X-rays how far out his humerus bone has been smashed. I freaked out when I saw how bad it was.”

Footage of the incident has left parent rattled. Picture: Bar TV Sports

The dangerous tackle saw Oliver lifted off the ground. Picture: Bar TV Sports

Peter said he wouldn’t have let his son play if he had known that Oliver would be facing those kinds of dangerous tackles.

“The tackle put Oliver above the horizontal – it’s just lucky he wasn’t dropped on his head to be honest,” he said.

“All the parents are rattled by it.”

Footage of the tackle shows Oliver easily being lifted by the other boy and thrown to the ground. The ref blows the whistle and Oliver is later helped from the field by an adult.

The incident is being investigated by De La Salle and Peter is calling for children who are significantly more talented than others their age to be placed in higher divisions.

The boy who orchestrated the tackle was penalised by the ref on field and is facing a possible suspension.

You can read more about the incident at Code Sports