NRL plans summit on hip-drop tackles

Billy Slater, Nathan Cleary and Peter V'landys.

World Rugby moved on Thursday to ban hip-drop tackles in the 15-player code for the first time.

The NRL outlawed the tackle in 2020, but it continues to happen weekly.

Nathan Cleary broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in one such tackle. Knights hooker Phoenix Crossland was suspended for four weeks and missed the grand final.

NRL boss Peter V'landys told The Daily Telegraph on Friday that he would hold a summit after the World Cup to discuss stronger bans and tackle technique.

"We will meet with the coaches and the players after the World Cup and get their feedback," V'landys said.

"I don't have any pre-determined idea in my head. I want to hear from them and we'll take whatever action that needs to be taken without fear or favour."

Billy Slater said on his podcast that the NRL bore some responsibility for Cleary's injury and Crossland's actions.

"I do feel that the game (the NRL) has a little bit of responsibility in this," Slater said.

He argued that fear of tackling Cleary after a pass left Crossland passive, forcing him to make a tackle when Cleary threw a dummy.

Commentator Warren Smith said on-field penalties and suspensions had not been severe enough to eliminate hip-drop tackles.

V'landys said most were accidental, but improving technique was essential. The NRL is funding tackle-technique work from junior levels.

He said Cleary's injury "made him physically sick" and he "never wants to see" anything like it again.

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