Storm Football Chief Demands Clarity on ‘Bizarre’ New Trend in NRL

Melbourne Storm‘s general manager Frank Ponissi has urged the NRL to clarify the ambiguous nature of what constitutes a hip-drop tackle.

Numerous prominent coaches have expressed unease regarding the inconsistency of hip-drop decisions, leaving players bewildered about whether their tackling methods are deemed illegal.

Benji Marshall became the latest coach to seek clarity after Samuela Fainu was placed on report for a hip-drop tackle, despite not having made contact with his opponent’s leg.

Fainu avoided any punishment from the match review committee, but the same could not be said for Manly prop Toafofoa Sipley.

Sipley received a four-match suspension for his dangerous tackle on Dragons winger Mat Feagai, which Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans argued was an unintended incident.

Initially, both players and team officials believed Feagai, who ended up concussed, was affected by a high tackle from Manly’s Siosiua Taukeiaho.

The judiciary chairman issued a warning on Tuesday, indicating that Sipley’s suspension should signal to all players that hazardous contact will incur significant penalties.

However, Ponissi contends that the NRL must revisit and clarify the definition of a hip-drop tackle in order to minimise risks in the sport.

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“When Wayne Bennett mentioned it in a press conference, many believed he was joking, but it’s a sentiment shared by most within the game,” Ponissi remarked on SEN radio on Wednesday.

“No club currently trains for hip-drop tackles. Mistakes can happen, so we need to prioritise clarifying this issue before moving forward. 

“It will never be entirely straightforward, but we need to strive for as much clarity as possible. It’s essential to revisit the definition, as there’s currently a lot of confusion.”

Ponissi observed that the act of tackling has likely existed throughout the sport’s history, but strategies for managing prevention have only recently come to light.

“It’s an intriguing topic, somewhat strange, how this has emerged in recent years,” he added.

“It must have been prevalent in the game for ages and we just didn’t recognise it. 

“The NRL has provided information on this previously, and I acknowledge that.

“However, so many people are expressing confusion, presenting an opportunity for us as a community to say, ‘Alright, let’s comprehend it’.”