The NRL has removed the controversial “separation” rule from the shoulder charge in a bid to do away with the confusion that has shrouded the outlawed play since it was banned in 2013.
As of this season, a player will be charged if contact is deemed to be forceful and the defender made no attempt to use his arm or hand in making the tackle.
It means players will no longer be able to lean on the defence of separation between the arm and torso at the judiciary.
“This change will make it easier for everyone involved in the game to understand what does and does not constitute a shoulder charge,” NRL head of football Brian Canavan said.
“As a game, we are committed to outlawing the shoulder charge, and we believe these changes will make it easier for us to do so.”
The rule proved controversial in the lead-up to the 2016 finals series, with North Queensland star Johnathan Thurston, NSW coach Laurie Daley and Penrith supremo Phil Gould all hitting out at it.
Cronulla hooker Michael Ennis avoided a charge for an apparent shoulder charge on Melbourne’s Blake Green in the final round, after there appeared to be separation in the hit.
Canterbury coach Des Hasler later admitted he was confused by the rule after Canberra’s Jack Wighton was let off after a hit on the Wests Tigers’ Joe Edwards in the same round.
“Clearly there were instances in 2016 when the match review committee and the judiciary had differing views of whether or not a shoulder charge had been used,” Canavan said.
“That made it difficult for players, clubs and our supporters to understand the guidelines around the offence.”
Grade one, two and three charges for the offence will still attract 200, 350 and 500 demerit points respectively, while any higher grading will now be referred straight to the judiciary in accordance with the new 2017 rules.