Rugby league legend Ian Roberts has urged the NRL and the government to take action against a disturbing social media phenomenon known as the "run it straight" challenge, labelling it "potentially catastrophic." In a recent interview on Nine’s Today, Roberts, who has received a diagnosis of epilepsy—which he attributes to repeated head impacts throughout his playing career—condemned this trend that has already resulted in the tragic death of a young man in New Zealand. Manly Sea Eagles player Nathan Brown also expressed concern about its dangers.
Roberts, a formidable presence on the rugby field with a storied career including State of Origin and Test caps, wants the public and authorities to recognise the grave implications of such viral challenges. He noted that the trend thrives on sensationalism and social media engagement, even as it promotes dangerous behaviour. He reflected on the personal toll of his own playing days, indicating that his recent epilepsy diagnosis may stem from the cumulative effects of the sport’s physicality.
The "run it straight" challenge involves fans deliberately colliding with one another, mimicking the physical confrontations seen in rugby league. While Roberts has willingly bigged up the sport’s toughness during his career, he now believes that such reckless mimicry poses serious risks to both young fans and the overall image of the sport.
Roberts shared his perspective on the long-lasting impacts of trauma associated with rugby-related collisions, drawing parallels with fellow player Mario Fenech, who has publicly battled dementia following his own rugby career. He lamented the missed opportunities for awareness regarding the long-term consequences of head injuries, elaborating that many young athletes do not consider their future well-being while focused on the thrill of the game.
With ongoing discussions around player safety in contact sports, Roberts calls for a collective stance from sports authorities and government figures to abolish the "run it straight" trend. He stressed the importance of parental awareness in monitoring what children are exposed to online, emphasising the need for proactive measures against harmful behaviour associated with this viral trend. Roberts concluded by urging the community not to overlook the potential long-term consequences of such actions on young individuals, asserting that it is time to address these dangers head-on.