https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5liIcl9ffQ
Since the horrible injury to young Knight Alex McKinnon, the NRL has pledged they will โget toughโ on lifting tackles in hopes of eradicating the technique from the NRL.
In the past two weeks of NRL competition we have seen two horrible, lifting tackles, giving the NRL a chance to send a message that it will no longer be tolerated.
Yet they failed on both occasions.
Chris Heighington was not sent off despite dumping Jeremy Latimore on his head in a tackle that looked scarily like the one that ended McKinnonโs career.
He took the early plea and accepted a three week ban. There were no indications that the Sharks forward was going to contest the charge, nor should he. He should have sent a thank you note in with his acceptance.
Three weeks was an absolute let off considering the damage that could have been done.
Tyrone Peachy then dropped Brisbane prop Adam Blair in one of the most sickening moments I have witnessed.
The ball was dead, and Peachey picked up and dumped Adam Blair on his head and neck.
How he was not sent off, especially seeing as though referee boss Tony Archer took to the media to admit Heighington should have been sent off following his tackle, is beyond belief.
The only comforting factor, other than the fact Blair stood up and played on, was that Peachy would surely face a lengthy stint on the sideline.
Earlier today it was announced that he would be offered a two week penalty, which rightfully send social media into a frenzy.
The NRL have spoken about getting tough on lifting tackles. My question is WHEN?
I have nothing against young Peachey, in fact heโs one of the most exciting players in the competition. As soon as he dropped Blair you could see the realization on his face that he had made a huge error.
That does not excuse the fact that he should have been sat down, and suspended for six weeks.
Combined, Heighington and Peachey will sit out a total of five NRL games, despite the fact the edict was sent out that lifting tackles would not be tolerated anymore.
If those tackles arenโt worth at least four weeks each, and perhaps at least one send-off combined, then you might as well scrap the send-off rule and announce martial law.
Aussie Captain Moment Of Madness
Not only do we have players being dumped on their heads and necks, but now the Australian captain is kicking a ball at a member of the crowd.
No doubt the person in the crowd deserved what he got after what was reportedly served up in Cam Smithโs direction, but surely an experienced player such as Smith should know better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7HX7Al0O9Q
Seeing the grief players cop first hand in both the game situation and on social media, combined with the fact players are human too, means theyโre always going to struggle to contain emotions, however I bet Smith wouldnโt have felt great is his kick had been misdirected and struck a child.
Itโs easy to say, but a player of his stature should have learned to ignore insults, or at least react better.
Eels Falling Away Quickly
After belting heated rivals the Sea Eagles in round one, the Eels have only managed two wins since, and now sit at the bottom of the table.
Most fans saw the Eels struggling without their superstar number one, who has since moved to America to chase his NFL dream, but fans could be forgiven for looking toward 2016 already.
Theyโre far from out of contention, however following a clever recruitment drive, they would expect to have made a little more impact than just the three wins thus far.
Anthony Watmough has unfortunately been one of the recruitment disappointments, while Will Hopoate has failed to step in and replace Hayne as hoped.
They need more from the likes of Sandow and co in weeks to come, but Brad Arthur needs to make some tough decisions, like dropping De Gois from the bench.
Nathan Peats is a brilliant player and the Eels lose quite a bit when he is off the field.
For the life of me I donโt understand the practice of carrying a second hooker on the bench.
