LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Shane Flanagan is predicting a massive shake-up in the NRL after fans lashed out at the 'disgusting' rule that left the Dragons down a man in their clash against the Roosters.
The Dragons were dealt a blow early on when Moses Suli was knocked out cold in a brutal collision with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, forcing them to play the rest of the game with only 16 men.
The debate over the 18th HIA rule has reignited following this incident, with many questioning whether changes need to be made to the rules around kick-offs.
The Dragons' ANZAC Day clash got off to a disastrous start and only went downhill from there, culminating in a humiliating 60-18 loss.
Suli's teammates were immediately alarmed when he remained motionless on the ground after the collision, and he was eventually helped off the field with only seconds on the clock.
Despite calls for the 18th man substitute to be allowed in this situation, the rule states that unless a player is concussed due to foul play or is the second player ruled out through HIA protocols, the team cannot bring in a replacement.
The kick-off debate has been ongoing for weeks, with suggestions of implementing an NFL-style start to reduce the risk of head injuries at the beginning of games.
However, with this latest incident shining a spotlight on the issue, Flanagan and others in the NRL community are bracing for potential changes to be made in the near future.