Following the changes surrounding the shoulder charge rule, NRL match review committee coordinator Michael Buettner has broken down the elements of the typical shoulder charge tackle, hoping to ensure players, coaches, media and fans are all on the same page.
Speaking on his weekly video segment on NRL.com, Buettner was firm in his stance that the rugby league public must understand that the rule changes are in the best interests of player safety, with six players cited for the offence in Round 23.
"There are three really important indicators that people need to understand, and I guess there has to be a level of acceptance in relation to the shoulder charge," Buettner said.
"The key components are: forceful contact, the upper arm tucked into the side of the upper body – it's irrelevant what the lower arm does – and at the same time, wrapping, with both arms. If they (both arms) aren't present, it will be considered a shoulder charge.
"It's important that players understand that, fans at home understand and accept that, and the coaches enforce that message to their players."
