George Burgess made headlines for all the wrong the reasons over the last couple after of days, ultimately being suspended for nine weeks after eye-gouging Robbie Farah of the Wests Tigers.
The South Sydney forward was roundly criticised in the rugby league world for his actions, with most observers agreeing the nine-week ban was justified.
But it’s the lack of a meaningful on-field penalty – coupled with some other controversial incidents over the weekend – has fans asking the NRL to do more to punish players over on-field indiscretions.
So what can the NRL do?
We got Roar NRL expert Tim Gore to run over what options the NRL have in properly protecting their players.
Listen to the discussion:
The conversation comes at an interesting time for the game, after news broke yesterday that a class action lawsuit was being prepared against NRL over supposed negligence towards preventing player injury.
With the NFL overseas copping serious legal flak for similar issues, it appears likely the NRL will need to come up with a solution quickly.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
But it comes down to the referees CC. They have to start refereeing and not trying to manage the game.
Insider
Roar Rookie
You make everything so personal
Farkurnell
Guest
I think its even simpler HY just send a few players off.Peer presusre and the wrath of the coach will be enough to make the thugs think before they react.As for your list of thuggery let me start with a few.I hope I dont see any of these ,but with the Burgi and the Mcquires running around any thing is possible. Gouging,Biting ,Tripping,Squirrel Gripping, Elbow to the head tackle,Spear Tackle,Coathanger tackles.Headbutting and Punching may be difficult to quantify. There's Headbutting then there's HEADBUTTING
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
George should have been pinged heavily with the prior indiscretion. Likewise Maguire.And the other head or cheap shot merchants. When Jim Comans was running the judiciary ,you got whacked with a lump of steel penalty, not a wooden spoon that exists now. Ten minutes sin bin for lazy high tackles and all head shots reported.And send offs for major ones. a The clubs and players would soon get the message.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
"you will decrease the risk of a head injury" Yes, but it's too late for you Milton unfortunately. At least the Burgess boys haven't stalked and chased an innocent civilian half their size before bashing them senseless like Jack Wighton has. Just like his 19th century namesake "Jack the Ripper" who terrorised the streets of London, "Jack the Raider" Wighton stalked his innocent victim before leaving him in a pool of his own blood. Has anyone checked on Jack's victim to see if HE was still suffering from HIS head injuries? Glass houses Milton.
Jacko
Guest
Well when the Refs started sending people to the bin for punching the punching stopped......i think that should tell anyone who asks exactly how to get foul play out of the game.....PENALISE IT OUT OF THE GAME..........Like a good meerkat would say....Simple.....
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Pretty simple, treat it like Falou. Define what constitutes foul play, put it in the contract; breach the contract provision and you get sacked with no return. Really, the NRL is comfortable with foul play given this hasn’t happened.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
First of all referees can start to send players off. A very rare occurrence in the NRL but not uncommon prior to this. Make the penalties for foul play mean something a la Jim Comans.
Insider
Roar Rookie
Blight on the game
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I did the figures. Reduce the number of Burgess’s in the NRL by 66.6% and you will decrease the risk of a head injury to NRL players by 82%.... true story ????