Is The Shoulder Charge Too Dangerous?

2SER's Razors Edge

The Australian Rugby League Commission has accepted a recommendation to outlaw the shoulder-charge from all competitions from 2013. The report stated that the increased size of athletes was creating a situation where the shoulder-charge could lead to an unacceptable injury risk. The response from most of the players and coaches was one of dismay and most have been very vocal in opposing the ban. So is banning the shoulder charge, taking away a key ingredient of the game or a necessary step to protect players in a “tough guy sport” from their own fearlessness? 2SER's Matt Hogan spoke to Nathan McGuirk, General Manager of Operations for the NRL.