The Rugby League Players Association has urged the NRL to re-consider in regards to changes made to the judiciary and suspension system just hours ahead of the season’s start.
Yesterday, it was announced that players will now be able to escape more offences – including shoulder charges and crusher tackles – with just a fine, while loading points for repeat offenders have been scrapped.
The changes – which will see far fewer players suspended and more fines handed out – have not been met with praise from the union.
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“The players’ desired changes to the fines system still remains unresolved,” a statement read.
While the RLPA praised the governing body for enabling a dialogue, it said that two specific changes were of great concern – regarding high shots and shoulder charges.
“We believe the decision to move Grade 1 Shoulder Charges and Crusher Tackles to a finable offence is a step backwards in decreasing instances of two of the most dangerous on-field discretions,” they said.
“Both of these offences carry significant health and safety ramifications and the threshold for these offences requires closer attention.”
The RLPA said there was “genuine concern” for player health when it came to these types of tackles.
“The players do not believe fines have acted as a sufficient deterrent to any offences and, despite this, these two offences have now become finable offences.”
The union wanted the fine system examined after a 500 per cent increase last season, pointing out that they were particularly detrimental to lower-earning players.
“A post-season review involving players from all clubs showed that fines as a punitive measure were no longer working as a deterrent, and were also having a disproportionate impact on many lower-wage earners,” they said.
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“This evidence was provided to the NRL as part of the RLPA’s original submission.”
The timing of the changes was also criticised.
“Important changes like the Judiciary and Match Review should be made well in advance of the season, and is why we need to put issues like these on the table during the collective bargaining agreement negotiations.”
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