NRL: League considers divisive kickoff rule changes to reduce concussion risk in collision

It's an issue that's seemingly dividing the rugby league world, with questions over safety v spectacle.

There have been growing calls this week for the NRL to limit the collisions seen in kickoffs, with the league saying it won't rule it out.

Some of the biggest names in the game - including a current NZ Warriors star - are firmly against outlawing it, saying it'll change the game and not in a good way.

Instances of two powerful and potent forces meeting may soon be gone.

"I think if you're going to change something to soften it, then I don't think you need to," said Warriors centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Following this tackle on Anzac Day - and the subsequent headknock to St Georege centre Moses Suli, calls have been mounting to address such high-velocity collisions from kickoffs.

Some are for it, but more are seemingly against it.

"This is why people come to watch, this is why we enjoy the game, because of the risks and rewards in this type of game," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "I enjoy it.

"I try to fly down there and put myself in front of a prop. I know I'll come out second best, but it's all part of the adrenaline, I guess." 

"At times, things are just going to go wrong," insisted legendary prop Paul Gallen. "I think everyone who plays the game accepts that, everyone who watches it can accept it, those who are running the game need to accept it."

What can be accepted is that it's written in the history of rugby league and has produced some iconic moments, including in Grand Finals and State of Origins.

The negative impacts are clear, though. The NFL has already introduced a similar rule change for next season, after a successful trial in the XFL.

Neither team can move until the ball lands in the catcher's hands, something being considered among the solutions put forward in the NRL.

"For God's sake, we are tearing it apart," protested veteran administrator Phil Gould. "It is really frustrating... don't start me."

For now, players will continue to run off the back fence.

Join Newshub at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Warriors v Newcastle Knights NRL clash

It's an issue that's seemingly dividing the rugby league world, with questions over safety v spectacle.

There have been growing calls this week for the NRL to limit the collisions seen in kickoffs, with the league saying it won't rule it out.

Some of the biggest names in the game - including a current NZ Warriors star - are firmly against outlawing it, saying it'll change the game and not in a good way.

Instances of two powerful and potent forces meeting may soon be gone.

"I think if you're going to change something to soften it, then I don't think you need to," said Warriors centre Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

Following this tackle on Anzac Day - and the subsequent headknock to St Georege centre Moses Suli, calls have been mounting to address such high-velocity collisions from kickoffs.

Some are for it, but more are seemingly against it.

"This is why people come to watch, this is why we enjoy the game, because of the risks and rewards in this type of game," said Tuivasa-Sheck. "I enjoy it.

"I try to fly down there and put myself in front of a prop. I know I'll come out second best, but it's all part of the adrenaline, I guess." 

"At times, things are just going to go wrong," insisted legendary prop Paul Gallen. "I think everyone who plays the game accepts that, everyone who watches it can accept it, those who are running the game need to accept it."

What can be accepted is that it's written in the history of rugby league and has produced some iconic moments, including in Grand Finals and State of Origins.

The negative impacts are clear, though. The NFL has already introduced a similar rule change for next season, after a successful trial in the XFL.

Neither team can move until the ball lands in the catcher's hands, something being considered among the solutions put forward in the NRL.

"For God's sake, we are tearing it apart," protested veteran administrator Phil Gould. "It is really frustrating... don't start me."

For now, players will continue to run off the back fence.

Join Newshub at 4pm Sunday for live updates of the Warriors v Newcastle Knights NRL clash

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