Andrew Johns has voiced strong concerns over the prevalence of dangerous cannonball tackles in rugby league following an incident where Roosters player Siua Wong suffered a knee injury after being tackled by Karl Lawton during a match against the Cowboys. Wong was taken off the field and is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. Although Lawton was not penalised in the moment, he was later suspended for two games by the match review committee.
On the program Freddy and The Eighth, Johns expressed his frustration, labelling the tackle a “cheap shot” and calling for urgent reforms to eliminate such dangerous plays from the sport. He emphasised that this issue isn’t isolated to the Cowboys or Lawton but is a widespread problem, as teams often train players to use these tactics. "Every club does it… I absolutely hate it," Johns stated, insisting that this kind of behaviour must come to an end.
Roosters captain James Tedesco echoed Johns’ sentiments, noting that Wong’s injury was part of a troubling trend, with another teammate suffering an MCL injury earlier in the season due to a hip-drop tackle that also went unpunished. Tedesco remarked on the inconsistency in officiating, pointing out that officials reviewed such tackles multiple times yet failed to penalise problematic actions that result in player injuries.
According to the NRL Judiciary Code, cannonball tackles can indeed be penalised, regardless of the point of first contact, if they are deemed to pose a risk of harm. The code highlights that the vulnerability of players during a tackle must be taken into account, especially when it risks placing their joints in unsafe positions.
Johns proposed a potential solution: limiting the number of players involved in a tackle. He suggested that, once two defenders have engaged a player, a third should not be allowed to intervene at the legs. He urged for discussions among the Rugby League Players Association, officials, and referees to address this matter seriously before a more severe injury occurs, potentially sidelining a star player for life.
In summary, the rugby league community is facing increasing scrutiny regarding the safety of tackle techniques, with prominent figures like Johns advocating for stricter regulations to prevent injuries and protect players on the field.