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?
South Sydney forward Ben Te’o is facing another stint on the sidelines after being charged by the NRL over a lifting tackle in Monday night’s win over Canberra.
Te’o was on Tuesday charged with a grade one dangerous throw on the Raiders’ Jarrod Croker at GIO Stadium.
It was Te’o’s first game back since a one-match ban for a late hit on NSW and Canterbury star Trent Hodkinson in State of Origin III.
Even with an early guilty plea, carry-over points from prior offences means he will miss Sunday’s match against Newcastle.
He risks a two-game suspension if he unsuccessfully fights the charge.
Either way, it will be a huge blow for Rabbitohs, who could also be without Sam Burgess and skipper John Sutton for a chunk of the remaining six rounds.
Rugby-bound Burgess is due to have scans on his right shoulder and Sutton on his knee following injuries during the Raiders clash.
The only other player charged from round 20’s matches, Cronulla’s Matt Prior, is also set to miss a week after being cited for a grade-one dangerous throw in Saturday’s surprise victory over Penrith.
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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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