The NRL have inadvertently written in a new rule that may give the NSW Blues their first Origin Series win in nine years.
NSW versus Queensland is war. The rules are always different in war, and it has been often said that the only way for the Blues to beat the Maroons is with an axe.
With the help of the new “concussion rule”, maybe they don’t need an axe.
We all witnessed how the Blues on-field general Robbie Farah remained on the field after he was heavily concussed by a Nate Myles head “tackle” in last year’s Origin. If that same incident happens again this year, the NSW skipper would be forced out of the match.
The new rule is clear: remove the player from the game.
A player who has suffered a concussion must not be allowed to return to play in the same game. The assessor should not be swayed by the opinion of the player, coaching staff or anyone else suggesting premature return to play.
Farah will always be an obvious target as he has no replacement and is crucial in the team’s spine as well as being the captain. The Maroons would also struggle if they lost their skipper Cameron Smith, although Daly Cherry-Evans, a club halfback, would be a handy replacement if the concussion rule claimed Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston or Billy Slater.
Come to think of it, the Maroons seem to have the concussion rule covered, just like every other position on the field.
Given the ferociousness of Origin tackles it would be naïve to expect that the concussion rule will not be a factor. It should influence the bench so that if any key position player is taken out, he can be replaced by someone similar.
NSW cannot risk selecting Robbie Farah to play 80 minutes and not have an adequate back up as they have done in previous years. Ideally, they need another top class hooker, but someone who can also play other positions if Farah remains fit and going well.
Michael Ennis is not the answer, as he was disappointing in his last Origin campaign, and Kurt Gidley, while the ideal profile, looks a shadow of the class player he once was.
The in-form Eels nine Nath Peats fits the bill perfectly. He would be an asset to NSW to relieve Farah prior to half time, and could also be a pinch hitter in the forwards if required.
I wonder if the bookies will be betting on the concussion rule being used in this series?
Jay C
Guest
If Locky was on a million then why has everyone (read: The Media) lost their collective minds over the supposed million dollar contracts of the last couple of years. Ie Smith to Brisbane, GI to Rabbitohs. I would be surprised. Maybe if you included match payments for tests and whatnot, but I don't see how you can include those. Anyway, the point is KP is terrible value in that range.
Jay C
Guest
Sorry I was basing my my call on form and quality. Not off season steroid abuse.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Jay Plllleeze! Locky would have banked close to $1m all up. Its the all up that counts.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Jay Jake Friend is a long way in front of Mcculough
Muzz
Guest
Scotty - I like him but IMO $400k max.Wish we kept LOD for one more season. Cheers.
Jay C
Guest
Agreed, but I probably shouldn't hijack this contradictory article into a Broncos woulda shoulda column.
eagleJack
Guest
Despite losing on Friday night there was a lot to like about the performance and the Broncos,as a whole, this year. But you are right, G Burgess would be an outstanding buy for them
Jay C
Guest
But to be fair that was around that time. It's not like they would have been paying much overs for the 2006 team. They had a fair few toilers in the bunch. Bring it back I say. Finishing 13th doesn't look good on the Broncos. We need a premiership. And a genuine Superstar. Chase George Burgess I reckon. Now his brother is leaving his ties to Souths dissipate and I think he is in the top 3 front rowers in the game. Scott, Woods and George. And the fact that Parker was playing in the front row earlier is telling enough that we lack meat up front.
eagleJack
Guest
He wasn't likely to write about the brown paper bags and jobs for the boys from Talbot, was he? Broncos haven't been the same since
Jay C
Guest
I don't reckon he would have been on a million. Maybe 750. In his Autobiography he says the most he ever made was during Super League. But yes, Talbot was the man with the plan. Honestly I don't know where half of these numbers come from. I reckon people just make it up to sound good.
eagleJack
Guest
But he was on $1m. Proctor may only be registered for $250k with $200 coming from 3rd party deals. Oh how the Broncos long for Talbot to still be around.
Jay C
Guest
Also, Qld is going to win and win big this year. 3-0 whitewash. you guys should put Dugan at FB, he is awesome. Also pick Gidley and Gallen and Creagh and Tony Williams. And Pearce. You GOTSTA pick Pearce.
Jay C
Guest
KP is not worth even 450 IMO. Geez Locky was only registered on 450 when he retired as the greatest player of all time 3 years ago.
Jay C
Guest
Honestly though all of those guys could sit the game out and we would still give you a touch up. Gagai, Milford, DCE, Mcculough and Hunt would handle it pretty well I reckon.
Jay C
Guest
Sooooo.. Clickbait?
Jay C
Guest
Nate will be there
JezRu
Roar Pro
Scott I fail to see how I am wrong? My point is that a concussion is the same as any other injury. The issue is that the game avoided treating it as a serious injury for too long. Farah may well have had to leave the field, but he may also have been able to return having passed a sideline test. So the rule may force a player out of the game if it's serious enough but may also allow a player back if it's only minor. Do an ACL and you're out of the game full stop. As far as covering for concussion on the bench, both teams will have cover for all types of injuries. To be honest Scott the article doesn't really make a whole lot of sense, the concussion rule is about player safety. Who covers for a concussion off the bench is no different to any other injury.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Muzz 5 clubs are after him including the Roosters. Whoever gets him will pay overs IMO. I think his window is $350 to $450 IMO. He wants 600k and will probably accept $550k. If he can get $550k I would recommend to the Storm to let him go.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Raugeee Qld will be hoping that Creagh is selected. Gal is a great forward leader but he would not be my team leader. He has a long track record of non captain acts.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
EJ I am aware of that. So is that your total contribution?