NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Willie Mason’s NRL career could be over, with another shoulder charge from the veteran prop sure to come under scrutiny from the match review panel on Monday.
ARTICLE: HAS HAYNE ALREADY MADE THE 49ERS’ 53-MAN ROSTER?
On his return from a two-week ban for the controversial tackle following the NRL’s late season crackdown, Manly’s Mason put a suspected shoulder charge on Sydney Roosters prop Dylan Napa in the opening tackle of Friday night’s match.
Given Mason is unsigned for next year despite saying he is keen to play on, a one-match ban could end his 16-year first grade career that began with Canterbury in 2000.
South Sydney hooker Issac Luke has already taken a two-match ban for a shoulder charge in the Rabbitohs’ big loss to Brisbane. The Warriors-bound Luke won’t play for the seventh-placed Rabbitohs again unless they make it through to the second week of the NRL finals.
Warriors forward Charlie Gubb could also face suspension for a shoulder charge after being accused of two of the tackles in the club’s big loss to Wests Tigers on Sunday.
Canterbury forward Frank Pritchard faces a nervous wait after being put on report for a high tackle in the narrow win over Newcastle.
Mason’s Manly teammate Justin Horo is also on report for a high shot.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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