Blair ought to be acquitted

[Super Freak]

The code isn't the relevant document. The rule book is the relevant document.

MRC have charged him without reading the rule book.

That video was made by the NRL and the NRL Referees Elite Performance Manager at the time to explain the shoulder charge rule in more detail. I don't see how it's not relevant.

The rulebook you speak of. That's the one on the NRL.com site, right? That's a shortened version of the rules to give fans a basic understanding of the rules. Previous rule books went into more detail, and they also had a far longer and more detailed version of the rulebook available but they don't have it up anymore for some reason.

There are two examples in that video that goes against Blair.

Example 1 and the final example where it states both arms need to wrap around the player, which didn't happen.

Tariq Sims was punished for his hit on Hodges last year despite the fact that he put an arm around Hodges when making contact with the shoulder.

There is evidence that supports Blair, there is evidence that doesn't.

Contesting it would be a waste of time and the Broncos would be better off just taking the plea.

 

[Porthoz]

That video was made by the NRL and the NRL Referees Elite Performance Manager at the time to explain the shoulder charge rule in more detail. I don't see how it's not relevant.

The rulebook you speak of. That's the one on the NRL.com site, right? That's a shortened version of the rules to give fans a basic understanding of the rules. Previous rule books went into more detail, and they also had a far longer and more detailed version of the rulebook available but they don't have it up anymore for some reason.

There are two examples in that video that goes against Blair.

Example 1 and the final example where it states both arms need to wrap around the player, which didn't happen.

Tariq Sims was punished for his hit on Hodges last year despite the fact that he put an arm around Hodges when making contact with the shoulder.

There is evidence that supports Blair, there is evidence that doesn't.

Contesting it would be a waste of time and the Broncos would be better off just taking the plea.

Really? What evidence is that?

There is absolutely no way that can be ruled a shoulder charge by any standard, including that video from the NRL, and it would be everything but a waste of time to contest the charge. It was an accidental head clash, nothing more.

 

[Super Freak]

Really? What evidence is that?

There is absolutely no way that can be ruled a shoulder charge by any standard, including that video from the NRL, and it would be everything but a waste of time to contest the charge. It was an accidental head clash, nothing more.

Blair tucking his arm into his body and leading with the shoulder.

Screenshot is a bit small. It's meant to be bigger. Won't go to full size for some reason.

 

[ningnangnong]

Gets auto-resized to fit the forum - right click, view image to see it in full res.

 

[Black Philip]

We definitely should NOT fight the charge, only because we have no chance of a downgrade. The replay could show Blair actually just tickled him and blew raspberries on his stomach and the bastards would still not downgrade it.

I don't want us losing one of our starting props (especially with McGuire out for the season) for longer than we have to.

 

[Unbreakable]

Just take the 2 weeks, not worth fighting it, it will be a good opportunity to see what the likes of Wallace & Dodds can do with more minutes.

 

[Stix]

He's gone. It wasn't too bad, but it was late and it's the whole front rower vs halfback/playmaker thing that Johnsys always bangin on about. Take the plea and come back in a couple of weeks fresh and hungry for a big finals campaign.

 

[Brent81]

Blair tucking his arm into his body and leading with the shoulder.

Screenshot is a bit small. It's meant to be bigger. Won't go to full size for some reason.

He's already wrapped the left arm by the time that the right arm hits....

 

[Brent81]

AGee there some jellyfish on here.

I'll say this slowly, you need to start from the definition of a shoulder charge.

In circumstances where he wraps his left arm around the bloke before the right should hits, please explain how that fits the definition? It simply doesn't.

By extension is everyone suggesting that we shouldn't fight a high tackle charge if the replay shows that the tackle was around the legs? Or does the MRv now get to maie up the rules as they go along?

 

[Brent81]

He's gone. It wasn't too bad, but it was late and it's the whole front rower vs halfback/playmaker thing that Johnsys always bangin on about. Take the plea and come back in a couple of weeks fresh and hungry for a big finals campaign.

How does what Blair did fit within the definition of "shoulder charge".

 

[Foordy]

Was contact made with the head ... Maybe

Was the contact late ... Slightly

Was it a shoulder charge ... HELL NO!!!!!!!

It is completely the wrong charge for what occurred. But i still fear he will be found guilty regardless. The N(SW)RL and MRC won't like the fact that the top two spots on the ladder are occupied by QLD teams.

Unfortunately for Blair, i think he is about to see first hand, one of the pitfalls of playing for our great club. Our record at the judiciary has to be the worst in the comp. Probably a big reason we very rarely fight charges.

 

[Super Freak]

He's already wrapped the left arm by the time that the right arm hits....

It does actually state in the rulebook, including the 2015 version that you must wrap the arms (meaning both) around the player or at least attempt to.

Blair didn't.

He has no chance of getting off the charge. Maybe a downgrade, but the risk of another week is too high.

 

[Brent81]

It does actually state in the rulebook, including the 2015 version that you must wrap the arms (meaning both) around the player or at least attempt to.

Blair didn't.

He has no chance of getting off the charge. Maybe a downgrade, but the risk of another week is too high.

The definition which I posted is the definition from the rule book. It makes no reference to wrapping both arms.

Where are you looking mate.

ta

Brent

 

[gordjw]

I agree with both of you, and this fence is very comfy.

I think it's pretty clearly not a shoulder charge, but there's no way in hell the MRC let him off.

Brent your last comment was pretty spot on, yes the MRC basically make the rules up as they go. Not entirely, but it's a group of 'good old boys', who are all former NSW players.

BTW, I'm pretty sure I saw a number of actual shoulder charges in the Roosters/Warriors game last week. No charges though.

 

[Super Freak]

The definition which I posted is the definition from the rule book. It makes no reference to wrapping both arms.

Where are you looking mate.

ta

Brent

Page 7.

The only part of the rulebook where I can find the definition you posted is under the SafePlay CODE FOR JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE section.

 

[bb_gun]

Look, I don't believe it's a shoulder charge and based on our current record with the judiciary I don't think it's wise for us to contest the charge. If Elgey get's straight back up or at least returns to the field then it's a simple late or high shot and Blair gets 1 week, but since he is taken off the field and rubbed out of the game then in my opinion the MRC have decided to come down harsh.

Blair has become a very important part of our current lineup but we won't miss him for the next 2 weeks and as a bonus he at least gets to rest before our run towards the grand final. Let Wallace go into the starting lineup 1 week and Dodds the next, it rewards them both for their good form the last few weeks and they'll be better for it in September.

 

[Brent81]

Page 7.

The only part of the rulebook where I can find the definition you posted is under the SafePlay CODE FOR JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE section.

Def page 7 (I don't think that it makes any difference as the italicised bit is the same) - is where a defender, without attempting to tackle, grab or hold the ball-carrier (or any opposing player) using the arms or hands, makes direct physical contact with the shoulder or the upper arm (tucked into the side). (Refer Section 15)

Don't like your argument mate (though I get it). Generally, when interpreting such documents, multiple is taken to include the singular and vice versa.

BTW, I'm not actually sure he makes contact with the shoulder or the arm....I think its actually his head that makes contact...we'll see

 

[subsbligh]

It was not blatantly late and was definitely not a shoulder charge, unless they're saying he's charging at Elgey's shoulder...

Unfortunately, that's the best resolution I can get, but it illustrates why the Broncos should fight the charge:

Anyone calling that a shoulder charge is off their rocks!

Enhance!