Grapple tackle

A grapple tackle is a controversial tackling technique used in rugby league. It has gained notoriety in Australia's National Rugby League competition whereby the tackler attempts to impede the ball carrier by applying a chokehold-like grip. Although players can be penalised for its use, it is difficult to enforce.

Mechanics

A grapple tackle has two distinct variations, both of which are illegal under the laws of the game. Note that a simple chokehold or headlock is tolerated within the game.

• Type A (a true grapple tackle) involves a defender, usually the 3rd to arrive, applying pressure to the attacking player's neck with the bony part of his forearms. He then proceeds to 'untwist' his arms in order to twist the players neck. The idea is to prevent the attacker from falling onto his stomach from where he can quickly play the ball. Instead, he must turn with the player twisting his neck onto his back. The 3rd defender, now with the attacker's 'backhead' in his stomach and still with his arms placed around the players neck, then puts his entire weight onto the players head by shifting his weight off his legs. This enables the previous defenders considerable time to retreat the 10m; because of the pressure on the neck the attacker is 'stunned'. A prolonged hold of this sort can cause disorientation and even unconsciousness.
• Type B (more common but less effective) involves only two players. The 1st defender makes a traditional 'ball-and-all' tackle, locking the ball up. The 2nd defender then tries to put all of his weight into twisting the attacker onto his back. Sometimes, it involves using a 'chokehold' where one arm is wrapped around the throat. However, this technique has been used in rugby league for years, and isn't a true grapple tackle. It only becomes a problem when a player uses the 'crushing' aspect outlined above, where he puts all of his weight onto the back of the attacker's head/neck. This tackle is usually ignored by most referees, because it happens far quicker, and most attackers actually contribute to their own demise by looking to offload the ball.

See also

• Spear tackle - another controversial tackling technique
• Grappling hold

External links

• Why the grapple tackle is a matter of life and death - Roy Masters, The Sydney Morning Herald
• Fa'alogo banned for seven games - by Steve Jancetic for Fox Sports
• Allegations of the grapple tackle in use on YouTube