Reynolds backs shoulder charge in NRL
‘Long live the shoulder charge’. Those are the words, and the actions, issuing forth from the poster boy for the controversial tackle, Canterbury rookie five-eighth Josh Reynolds.
Despite his smaller frame, Reynolds’ hits on opposition attackers have become one of the highlights of the Bulldogs’ charge up the ladder.
Reynolds was at it again in the Bulldogs’ win over North Queensland on Saturday – repeatedly rushing out of the line to put pressure on the Cowboys’ ball carriers and with effective results.
The 23-year-old, in just his second year of first grade, believes the shoulder charge remains a hit with rugby league fans and as long as it is properly policed should remain a part of the NRL.
“It hasn’t been banned and as long as you don’t come into contact with the head then I don’t see anything wrong with it,” he said.
“The fans like it and obviously you get someone like Sonny Bill Williams, who has mastered it (and will return next season), so if there isn’t any contact with the head I think it is alright.”
With Williams set to return to the NRL next year, Reynolds said it was important to maintain aspects of the game which make it unique.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler furiously hit out at “political correctness gone mad” in the NRL in March after back-rower Frank Pritchard copped a one-week suspension for a shoulder charge on Penrith’s David Simmons that left the winger badly concussed.
Since then the shoulder charge has continued to ignite debate with calls from many quarters in the game, especially from the medical fraternity, to have it banned.
Reynolds said Hasler was yet to issue an edict on his players tackling in that manner.
“He hasn’t told us not to do it but I know I can only do it once or twice a game,” Reynolds said.
“He hasn’t pulled me up on it. He doesn’t have to say anything because I know I have to pick my time otherwise I will cop it.”
© AAP 2013Sport, all day long. Does this sound too good to be true? We're searching for a Group Sales Manager to lead our team in Sydney. If you're a sales star who doesn't mind a hit, kick, throw, or cycle, we want to hear from you. Apply now.
The Crowd Says (5) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
- Explore:
- NRL, Rugby League
July 30th 2012 @ 10:17am
turbodewd said | July 30th 2012 @ 10:17am | Report comment
The shoulder charge is fine as long as it doesnt hit the player’s head. Inglis’ hit did hit Young head so the 3-game penalty is warranted.
July 30th 2012 @ 10:27am
oikee said | July 30th 2012 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Agree, if the shoulder charge is removed, scrums will be next, then tackling low and next thing you know, it will be tag rugby.
Next time someone comes out wanting to change the fabric of the game, shoot them.
The coaches started this with talk of getting rid of the golden point extra time. They have all got to pull their heads in and do what they are getting paid to do, win footy games without blaming the game or refs.
If you can’t manage this go home.
July 30th 2012 @ 12:39pm
The Barry said | July 30th 2012 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
couldn’t have said it better turbo…
July 30th 2012 @ 5:18pm
Crosscoder said | July 30th 2012 @ 5:18pm | Report comment
I can live with shoulder charges provided they are followed through properly and avoid the noggin.Some of the ” ïnflicters”come out looking like 2nd rate geese,as they bounce off the attacker,and sometimes injure themselves.
TBH it’s a lazyman’s way to tackle.
July 31st 2012 @ 9:41am
Harvey said | July 31st 2012 @ 9:41am | Report comment
I wasn’t against it until I heard a couple of commentators make a very good point; the players are so much bigger, faster and stronger than ever before (it wasn’t that long ago that Dean Payne was playing front row for Parra at less than 100kg; now many wingers are bigger than that) – that the collisions are ridiculous, it’s a matter of time before there is a career ending injury when one of these shoulder charges goes wrong. Why wait until then to ban it? There are always going to be strong hits in league irrespective of whether the shoulder charge continues.