Wade Graham has conceded the tackle technique he moulded to avoid concussions may need to change again to avoid further bans after copping a four-match suspension at the NRL judiciary.
The Cronulla veteran failed on Tuesday night to have his reckless high tackle charge for a hit on Souths prop Davvy Moale downgraded, resulting in the longest ban of his NRL career.
The result all but ends his hopes of joining the NRL’s 300-game club this year, unless Cronulla go deep into the playoffs and he is fit for every game.
But the greater concern for Graham now is his own technique.
Graham told the panel on Tuesday night he had began to aim high in tackles after a history of being knocked out when collected by ball-carriers’ hips.
But after Tuesday’s verdict he fears that could now put him at risk of further suspensions, after he crept too high and collected Moale.
“There is a risk low now (at the hip), and a high risk high now (of penalty) too,” Graham said outside after being found guilty.
“I will have to work on a few things through training for sure.
“If that’s the bar they have set moving forward for a reckless tackle, it will be interesting to see how it plays out for the rest of the year.”
In a 75-minute hearing, Graham claimed he had rushed out of the line to pressure Cameron Murray and had little time to react when the Souths lock handed the ball to Moale.
He said it was normal for him to aim at the ball or high on the body and he had no time to think about the possible risk of creeping high with the Moale hit.
“I have had a series of concussions so I don’t try to aim low anymore … I just aim at the ball really,” Graham told the panel.
“I try and stay away from the hip because attackers move fast. I have hit hips in the past making tackles and I have to look after myself as well as the attacker.
“In those split second decision, things move fast. It’s hard to change.”
Judiciary counsel Patrick Knowles disagreed.
In a long back-and-forth with Graham, the pair argued over whether Graham had left his feet to launch at Moale.
“This type of tackle has no place in the game of rugby league,” Knowles said.
“He is lifting himself off the ground to exert force with his shoulder. That is a reckless angle to go into a tackle.
“Feet off the ground, aiming with the shoulder in an upwards direction.
“That natural consequence is if it goes wrong, the player will strike not the ball but the head or the neck.”
Judiciary panel members Bob Lindner and Paul Simpkins agreed the tackle was reckless rather than careless, ending Graham’s hopes of downgrading the ban and ruling him out of games against Parramatta, Canberra, St George Illawarra and the Warriors.
The pair unanimously found Graham guilty and claimed he had targeted Moale in a high-body contact without considering the dangers of the tackle.
© AAP 2023
