RFL amend head contact framework following controversial red card

The New Zealand international was sent off at the Halliwell Jones Stadium for head-on-head contact with opposition back-rower Ben Currie.

However, Brown did not receive further charges from the match review panel with the RFL releasing a statement admitting the incident highlighted a lack of clarity in the procedures.

The new framework emphasises that illegal head-on-head contact applies only to initial contact, which will result in a red card.

England captain George Williams was among those to speak out on social media following the controversial decision on Friday, despite his side benefitting and going on to claim a 36-10 win without the injured star half-back.

“Embarrassing for our game,” the ex-Wigan playmaker shared.

“Players it’s time for us to unite, we need a voice within our game going forward!”

Robert Hicks, the RFL’s director of operations and legal, has since explained the new amendments via a statement released on Monday.

He said: “We are in the very early stages of the season at all levels having introduced significant changes as recommended by the sport’s brain health sub-committee, and in that regard we thank the players and coaches for their response.

“Comparing round two of the Betfred Super League to the opening round, there has been a significant reduction in the number of charges, reflecting a significant change in player behaviour – with a tiny proportion of over 3,000 tackle events leading to charges for head contact. It has been a similar story through the early rounds of the Betfred Challenge Cup and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup.

“However we have acknowledged throughout this process that it would be challenging for all, and that as a governing body we need to be flexible, and sympathetic to those at the sharp end.

“The dismissal of Nu Brown at Warrington on Friday night was an uncomfortable moment for the sport, and it has highlighted a lack of clarity in the wording of the framework as followed by match officials on the night.

“We recognise this will be of little consolation to the player or his club – and we thank them for their measured response.

“Head-to-head contact was an area highlighted as especially important by the brain health sub-committee, given the impact on two players, so it will remain a focus of the framework, and will continue to be sanctioned – specific to initial contact.

“The meetings with head coaches and senior players this week are another opportunity to update and consult, given the importance of communication through this process.

“Next weekend is a significant one for the community game, marking the start of the National Conference League and a number of other competitions, meaning further adaptation for another group of players, coaches and match officials.

“As at the professional level, these changes have been introduced following recommendations from the brain health sub-committee given developments in medical and scientific knowledge, and with a focus on player welfare – and again as in the professional game, we are grateful to clubs, coaches, players and match officials for their support.”