Why Does This Keep Occurring? Storm Lock’s Hazardous Tackle Sparks Call for Reform

Andrew Johns has urged players to modify their tackling techniques following Trent Loiero being reported during Melbourne’s match against Penrith.

In the early stages of the first half at CommBank Stadium, Dylan Edwards made a run through the middle and was brought down by Loiero, who aimed low.

The lock’s lower body swung around, inadvertently landing on Edwards’ leg, leaving him on the ground.

Replays indicated that Loiero executed a hip-drop style tackle, which led to him being reported.

Johns then queried his fellow Nine commentators Billy Slater and Johnathan Thurston, asking, “Why does this keep occurring?”

Neither Slater nor Thurston could provide an answer, noting their backgrounds as backs, which didn’t involve making tackles in the forward pack.

“It’s unfortunate; we definitely need to eliminate that from the game, and there should be improved techniques regarding those tackles,” Thurston commented.

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Johns continued to express his discontent.

“I simply can’t grasp how this keeps happening. Change your technique,” he insisted.

The hip-drop tackle has been a significant topic of discussion in recent years as the pace of the game escalates.

This season, Ryan Couchman faced a four-match suspension for his tackle that ruled J’maine Hopgood out for the remainder of the season, while Mitch Kenny received a one-game ban for a tackle injuring Isaiah Iongi.

Following Kenny’s suspension, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary elaborated that there has been a shift in how hip-drops are interpreted.

“It isn’t a hip-drop; it’s classified as dangerous contact. What was once deemed a hip-drop is now considered dangerous contact in this context,” Cleary clarified.

“It’s simply an eye for an eye – Izzy got injured, and Mitch landed on the back of his leg.”