Last week, I wrote an article about how the NRL had sustained the fantastic momentum built up by the State of Origin series, even though there is traditionally a bit of a lull after the hyped interstate battle.
This was based on some fantastic football on the park, and plenty of dramatic headlines off it.
And so it continued this weekend, with plenty of talking points coming out of round 20.
Souths, Dragons seething over Inglis
The Bulldogs winning streak hit eight with a sensational victory over Manly at Fortress Brookvale, which moved them to the top of the competition ladder. Likewise, the Rabbitohs continued their impressive form of late, again looking the goods in disposing of the Dragons.
Both victories had fans dreaming of an all Sydney NRL grand final, however, such talk is premature, and there were plenty of other relevant topics to discuss after the weekend’s footy.
Though none bigger than Greg Inglis’ shoulder charge on Dean Young, and the ramifications of Stephen Kearney getting sacked by the Parramatta Eels.
I was watching the Rabbitohs versus Dragons game live, and my first impression of the Greg Inglis shoulder charge was that it was a brutal, but legal hit. It seemed like Inglis’ upper arm/shoulder hit Young’s chest, with the resulting impact knocking the Dragons forward out cold.
Upon watching the replay, I felt that while there was some residual impact on the jaw, the hit was still OK. It did seem to me that the first point of contact was not Young’s head, and that it was simply a very unfortunate accident.
However, it soon became quite evident that I was in the minority. The vast majority of people seemed the think the hit was illegal, with many even believing that Inglis should have been sent off.
I’m big enough to admit when I’m wrong, and I clearly was in my initial reaction to the shoulder charge.
The bottom line is that players have a duty of care not to injure their fellow players. While I maintain that it was accident, the fact is that it was somewhat avoidable, and Inglis should have had the presence of mind to pull back on his desired impact, or at least change the type of tackle he was going to execute on Young.
I personally don’t believe there was a lot in the incident. It was not a ‘dog act’ or ‘cheap shot’, as many Dragons fans are claiming. I think Inglis’ towering height was the crucial factor in the tackle going awry. It’s important to remember that rugby league is a contact sport, and when you have elite athletes running hard at each other, accidents are going to happen.
But regardless, it’s the responsibility of the tackler to not impact the attacking player’s head. The head must remain sacrosanct, and offending players must be punished accordingly in order to discourage any notion of going anywhere near an opponent’s head.
If you do, the margin for error becomes very small, and the game can’t have players being stretchered off the field. Plain and simple.
I’d be happy to see Inglis get anywhere between 1-3 weeks suspension – depending of his plea – but nothing more.
The second big hit from the weekend was less violent, yet will have much larger ramifications upon rugby league.
It was quite strange that Stephen Kearney was sacked during the week, yet still coached against the Melbourne Storm on Saturday night. Even weirder, while in the process of upsetting the competition leaders and therefore departing the Eels as a winner, the rumours circulated at halftime that Ricky Stuart had signed on with Parramatta.
It was a bizarre set of circumstances.
The decision by the Eels to sign Stuart, once confirmed, obviously impacts upon the New South Wales Blues team, as at this stage the NSWRL continue to insist that a club coach cannot fulfil dual duties.
So it seems NSW will have a new man at the helm next year. But who will it be?
Blues assistant Trent Barrett, NSW Country coach Laurie Daley, NSW City coach Brad Fittler and Andrew Johns were immediately trumpeted to be the favourites. This quick shortlist was compiled by the media because none have club coaching commitments, all have strong ties to the Blues, and all understand what Origin is all about.
However, Johns has already ruled himself out. Showing great self awareness – which was sadly lacking during certain times in his life – Johns stated that there is no chance of him applying for the role, because he has no head coaching experience, and he doesn’t think he’s up to the pressure involved.
That leaves Barrett, Daley and Fittler, though I’m almost certain other candidates will emerge.
As great as all three ex-five eighths were as players, their coaching experience is either limited, unimpressive, or both. However, you could have levelled the same charge against Mal Meninga when he took over the Queensland Maroons.
At this very early stage, Barrett would have to be the favourite, as he’s the current Blues assistant coach. That obviously means he’s been around the playing group, and can offer a sense of continuity despite Stuart moving on.
However, I’m sure the speculation on who will be the next Blues coach is only in its diapers.
Charles
Guest
Commonsense will tell you that by lifting his foot he wanted to spring upward driving shoulder higher to the head . In other words so you can understand, he was trying to jump into the tackle ever so slightly, in his intention to do maximum damage.
The Barry
Roar Guru
So from your "glimpse" it "appeared" that Inglis lifted his right foot "slightly" and this proves that Inglis was intentionally targeting the head. That is one of the most out-there comments I've ever read.
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
I love RL, I don't like seeing people being carted of fields in neck braces you might, but I dont.
Charles
Guest
I have seen a glimpse of the replay and what I saw it appears Inglis lifted his right foot slightly to put in his shoulder charge. If that is the case and it was only a glimpse, this means it was a deliberate high shot! It is part of the game we do not need! People do not realise what affect it has later in life, with the damage done not showing up for quite some time or years. You are correct Tony Archer Maroon Underwear.
The Barry
Roar Guru
You are kidding...why do you watch rugby league if you dislike it so much ?
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
There you go 3 weeks and a speedboat polish Gentlemen start your engines as it is now time to go the head, as it has officially been condoned by the games administration. Coaches should pay attention to this, all you need is an 80min backrower, a fit front row and then you can add an interchange player prepared to make their mark by putting their shoulder into somebody's skull. If you can make that victim a key playmaker all the better. Sure you'll get an anoying three match suspension, but hey you'll be on the radar with some sweet publicity and blokes you never met like Talis saying 'hes a good kid' and 'its part of the game' etc. Well done NRL. Shots to the head are now OK. Hey why not bring back the spear tackle as well, it to looks great on tele you could even organise a first player to cripple some one gets a 2 weeks suspension in Noosa and a free Jet Ski competition!
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
No I'm high on life I'm glad you're conceding the head contact, thats good progress A1 Now have a look at the footage again, slow and actual speed and see if you can find the point where Inglis is getting down to ensure that his shoulder (in the shoulder charge) will contact below shoulder line.(hint he doesn't) Would have been a huge hit if he'd done that...but he chose to put his shoulder into the side of Young's head instead. But as we all know its Inglis (and not Burns) we're talking about here so NRL will pretend that Young was falling and that first contact was somewhere else and it was all just a freak accident that Inglis's shoulder slammed into Young's head. 4 weeks to recover from niggling injury's and a free speedboat polish will probably be the penalty.
A1
Guest
Totally agree. Calling it a 'dog act' is gibberish.
The Barry
Roar Guru
TAMU - the first contact was Inglis shoulder to Youngs chest. The hit was reckless and deserves time of the sidelines. To suggest it was intentional is ridiculous. Won't someone think of the children...! As for kids imitating it - good. I pulled off loads of shoulder charges when I was a kid and loved every one of them.
The Barry
Roar Guru
What's your problem? I've got an opinion just like everyone else here - that's the whole point of this website. I support the Bulldogs.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think we need to be careful about broad statements like career threatening injury. We haven't had a career ended by a shoulder charge in 105 years. Young was knocked out and the neck brace was put on as a precaution because he was out cold. He's named to play for Dragons this week so it's a long way from a career ending injury.
Charles
Guest
Once again a good article Ryan! Like you I thought at first the shoulder charge hit the chest but then again I had a few by that time. I was sickened to see the incident and hate the shoulder charge. I love seeing a classic one on one tackle and feel the game does not need to make it more brutal as it is.In regards to who should be NSW coach I was disappointed that Joey Johns has indicated that he will not accept the position. I feel he has the knowledge and can grow with the job. I do not care for either Fittler or Daley with Barrett the best out of those three! Des Hasler would be the cream of the crop but they cannot say no to Stuart to do both then select him. Daniel Anderson may be worth a look at, he has the best credentials without a club at the moment.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Potentially - but I don't think NSW were as strong, player wise, under Bellyache. Of course, a lot fo that had to do with his selections!
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
One of the smartest rugby league brains going around, respected by the players, and despite no coaching experience, he has plenty of tactical nous. I'd love to see Sterlo in the role.
A1
Guest
I'd tell you to believe whatever you want to believe, but it seems you alread are.
A1
Guest
Deliberate head shot? You're on drugs
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
Nah, no one who has seen the footage is denying theres contact with the head. It was a deliberate high shot, very ugly. He deserves 7-8 weeks for it, and if he got it he wouldn't do it again, as it is its basically a let off for him.
Tony Archers Maroon Underwear
Guest
A1 I can only assume you haven't seen the footage in particular the part where Inglis shoulder squarely and deliberately connects with Young's head, either that or you are referring to some other part of the anatomy known as the head. Dog act
Damo
Guest
He did hit him in the head
Andy
Guest
well said... had young looked where he was going and braced himself for the hit. a knock out probably would not have occured... had inglis gone any lower, his head would of still jolted the way it did because he was looking elsewhere and potentionally causing the player to be knocked out anyways. i bet everyone cheered on the shoulder charge of Idris on the broncos player.....