I'll end on that they already look at mitigating factors already - several references by refs explaining their decisions this week - so no real difference to what I agree can be a ridiculously drawn out vr process. But fair enough if you prefer what they're running with now. I can see it wrecking a lot of games though.

This is a key point though isn’t it? Sending players off for controversial, process-driven infringement can often ruin games as contests. What are we trying to achieve with this?

Maybe send the player off and force the club to use a sub or something I don’t know: but unless someone has done something terrible and obvious let’s keep 13 v 13 please.

I don't prefer it, far from, I just don't think that's a workable solution.

If we get red cards regularly like the Watts one I think the game is in big trouble. Dupree was dipping into contact, it wasn’t intentional foul play. Players will start dipping, crouching, head down etc and look to get penalties and red cards given which will turn the game into a farce. We are already seeing players yelping at the ref for anything vaguely high and others running in , arms in the the air.

Talk of players going on strike.. what a mess. The game is destroying itself

2 games for that Tom Amone tackle is a joke and can anyone explain how Kaide Ellis gets away with nothing from the tackle on Hooley where Watts is looking at 4 games?! its ridiculous.

I cant see anything wrong with the Amone tackle, games gone if thats a ban.

The inconsistency is a real problem, its like they just pick a punishment out of a hat and dont relate it to any other decision.

Amone will probably end up getting a 3 match ban on appeal next week.

Interesting podcast with Rob Hicks on the new rules and the MRP
Spotify bit.ly/4bKk0Qa,

Interesting article on Yorkshire Live about rumours that the NRL are looking to buy SL. That might put an end to the influx of new and unrealistic rules and at least assure consistency in the way the game is played. Wouldn't relish a return to winter rugby (as reported) though.

Bans for foul play are actually tougher in the NRL than they are here. The rule changes will happen regardless.

Are you saying the NRL are implementing the rule changes being trialed below SL level this year and then rolled out into SL for 2025? If they are it's news to me.

Nope, I'm saying bans for foul play are harsher than they are here. They also have the hip drop tackle crackdown as well.
I think the rule changes will happen regardless because the game can't afford the additional insurance, legal and medical costs that will be incurred if the rule changes aren't brought in.

But in the event that the NRL bought out the comp do you not think it likely that given their far deeper pockets, they would fork out the insurance (if that is the blocker) in the interests of having a unfied set of rules?

That's possible in the short term, but with costs doubling or trippling every few years it's not something that will be postponed for long.

Sending off at the Wire v Hull game beggars belief.

Switched it off at that point Arthur. I'm not sure I can take the sport seriously any more.

If that’s a red Donno should be expecting his life time ban in the post.

If that’s where we’re going we might as well give up now.

Yep. I did the same.

The game is in big big big trouble unless this madness is stopped. Jon Wilkin clip I’ve seen on social
Media is excellent. Spoken very well

Maybe there will be an NRL takeover or a breakaway competition because literally nobody wants these rules from the RFL.

A lot of top players speaking out on social media tonight. Looks like action on its way.. a lot saying enough is enough

Believe me, what we’re seeing now is literally nothing compared to next year if the Academy trials are angering to go by. It was unplayable and unwatchable at times.

The games about to completely destroy itself which is devastating at a time where we've just started to get the promotion of it sorted.

Personally, I find all the rhetoric from players over this a bit rich. They should go and speak to some of their ex colleagues about why they're trying to sue the game for a pay day, that's why we're at this point.

To provide a bit more context on why these changes are happening, the most recent science seems to suggest that concussions aren't the the most significant factor in potential brain injury in a contact sport. The more significant factor is sub-concussive impacts, these are impacts that don't cause symptoms. So a big part of the intention of these new rule interpretations is to reduce the amount of sub-concusive impacts, which is why even accidental head contact is being clamped down on.

The best thing the game could do at this point is settle all these litigations in some way, and then try to move forward with a process that will prevent players from bringing action against the game. I'm not sure how feasible that is.