V’landys vows post-World Cup summit to stamp out hip-drop tackle after Cleary injury

ARLC chairman Peter V’landys will hold a summit after the World Cup to stamp out the hip-drop tackle, saying Nathan Cleary’s preliminary final injury left him physically sick. He said player safety was paramount and the game would consult leading coaches and players, including Wayne Bennett and Ricky Stuart, before deciding on any tougher action, with no predetermined outcome in mind. The NRL is also investing in tackle technique from junior level up. Billy Slater has urged the game to better protect ball carriers, suggesting recent rule changes around late contact on playmakers may have pushed defenders into more passive tackling positions. Cleary faces a six-month recovery and is expected to miss the start of next season.

By Peter Badel, CODE Sports — read the full story