By Billie Eder
NRL head of football Graham Annesley yesterday said the match review committee were wrong not to sanction Panthers centre Taylan May for a hit on Reece Walsh that resulted in the Broncos fullback suffering a facial fracture.
Annesley said the committee, which operates independently of the NRL, made the wrong call and May should have been charged with dangerous contact.
“We believe that the match review committee should have levelled a charge,” Annesley said. “We think that it does reach that threshold of careless action at least.”
“In our view, there is an obligation on all defenders to ensure that they play the game with due regard to the safety of other players. This particular type of action, of coming up and in at speed, will often go wrong ... and on that basis, we believe it should have resulted in a charge.”
Walsh required five stitches for the wound and while he passed his HIA was unable to return to the field because the swelling was so bad. He will spend as many as six weeks on the sideline while the fracture heals.
Despite the NRL changing its tone on the incident, Annesley said the governing body had no ability to retrospectively sanction a player for an on-field incident.
Reece Walsh after his early head clash against Penrith Panthers. Credit: Getty
Players were warned about this kind of contact last season when a memo went out to clubs outlining what were indicators of high tackles and shoulder charges.
“All players have an obligation to avoid unnecessary forceful contact to the head or neck on an opponent,” the memo from Annesley read.
“If the target area of a defender is on or above the ball, or around the shoulder area, the risk of the contact to the head or neck of the ball carrier increases ... Defenders need to carefully consider their intended target area if they are to reduce the risk of the tackle going wrong.
“Clubs are also reminded of the need of defenders to use both arms when attempting to make a tackle.”
Match review committee manager Luke Patten argued that May had both feet on the ground “with both arms down by his side in an attempt to make a body tackle”.
“[And] he does not lead with his shoulder or head … once the ball is passed by player Walsh, both players react to the imminent contact resulting in both players leaving the ground and accidentally clashing heads.”
Broncos coach Kevin Walters was unimpressed that May had escaped sanction and told reporters on Friday: “I’m a bit confused about the rules. Where is the duty of care for our players? Reece will miss four to six weeks. There was contact to the head.
“If the NRL are serious about concussion and protecting players, where does this [tackle] sit with that?”
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