News

Time To End Chicken Wing

9th Sep 2009, 3:29pm

SAINTS assistant coach Kieron Purtill is hoping that coaches from around the League and the RFL move quickly to outlaw the chicken wing tackle.

 

He was speaking after prop James Graham was ruled out for the Catalans match this Friday because of an injured shoulder caused by such an incident.

 

“You expect bumps and bruises in a game when it is played fair, but Jammer will miss out of this week’s game because of an illegal chicken wing tackle,” he said. “It is touch and go for him. There are players on top of him in the tackle and there are four attempts to bend his shoulder back.

 

“It is a tackle technique that is taught to damage players and unfortunately for us, he will miss the game this week. Jones Buchanan gets one game and Jammer misses one game for something he hasn’t done.

 

“The RFL say they want to clamp down on the chicken wing; and this injury shows what happens when the tackle is used in practice. But that is up to the Disciplinary I suppose. Maurie [Fa’asavalu] was banned for one game because of an accidental and unintentional tackle. Buchanan had four attempts at Graham’s shoulder... but that is up to the Disciplinary to adjudicate.

 

“It also has to be in coaching philosophy though. The RFL are trying to outlaw it, but you shouldn’t be teaching that tackling practice and method in your training. We don’t do that here as we wouldn’t want it to happen to one of our players.”

 

Purtill says that a chicken wing tackle also looks to have ended the Saints’ career of Jason Cayless.

 

“Yeah, it looks like he has played his last game for St Helens. He is unlikely to get back this year with an injured shoulder. He was tackled at Wakefield and looks like he has lost his season because of the implications from a tackle.”

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Comments

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• Paul says:
  WELL SAID KEIRON PURTILL. TAKE A BOW.
• Claire says:
  And to cap it all, JJB has had the huge cheek to appeal. He should hang his head in shame for his disgusting and unsportsmanlike actions, not try to escape a one match ban, which to my mind was 1/4 of what he should have had. He should have had the maximum 4.
• wabo says:
  well said that man
• Graham A says:
  The potential damage caused by JJB could have been season/career ending for James Graham! I think we should appeal to the disciplinary panel about the flimsiness of the award
• jill says:
  I was disgusted with only a 1 match ban for JJB and agree Saints should if possible appeal at the flimsiness of the award, JJB should have been red carded at the match. Bet Leeds would be up in arms if Jammer had done it on JJB, now they will be helping him try and escape his 1 match ban, its time the RFL panel showed they mean business against the Chicken wing tackle, cause they're not at the moment.
• Danny says:
  Gutted about the news on JC! One of the great props in our modern era at Saints, when fit he's awsome! On the news of JJB, well this guys shouldnt be allowed to play for the remaining games of the season! Jammer could of 1, ended his season or 2, enededhis career because this thug is trying to hurt a player and not play rugby! We'll have them in the GF! Come on you Saints!!!
• Karen says:
  I totally agree with all of the above.
• ovalball13 says:
  Grade C offence 4game maximum. Career threatening injury. One match suspension with right of appeal. Disciplinary committee= Tough on crime. What a Joke!!! Always had doubts about whether Jason would be back after similar injury
• Frank says:
  The cheek of Leeds Rhino's when JJB pleading not quilty to a crime that was blatant to see to all who watch the game. To get a one match ban is a discracge by the disciplinary panel. When he appeal why wasn't the ban increased? I could say more but it would get printed. Come on the Saints
• Saint Bernard says:
  Well done Kieron for telling it like it is. No wonder Jammer was so p#ssed off after the match! didn't appreciate the extent of JC's injury though. The RFL needs to come down hard on offenders - now. Best wishes to all for speedy recoveries.
• catters says:
  the punishment given to the leeds players from the disciplinary panel is frankly discusting. jjb should be banned for months as far as i see, a pre-meditated tackle with the intention to cause harm, he knew what he was doing and did his best to put graham out and then leeds fans are hard faced enough to say graham has no respect walking off at the end of the match, well if someone had potentially tried to end my career in one tackle i know what i would do, goo on graham for what he did and thumbs up to keiron purtill!!
• audois says:
  hello from south of france.Since the catalans dragons play super league, I have seen so bad referees decisions, that makes our favorite game becomes disgusting game because of teams and players like rhinos.When they played in perpignan I've seen lot of tackles like JJB and no problem for the refs.During our first game we lost RYLES for a neck tackle.We lost this player for 3 months and there was no problem for the player of huddersfield!! I think we have a BIG problem whith the referees, JJB should heve taken red card and finish the season. Instead of that, he will play the end of the season!!! ridiculous.
• Emma says:
  Couldn't agree more!!
• Bobby says:
  If this had been players from a side lower in the table the bans would of encompassed the play offs. Its giving liberties to sides as now they know its a 1 match ban. The players in RL may be tough but the authority is weak in this instance. As for Graham he did what any of us would do when deliberatly targated, cause if I had that treatment, with no Ref protection(yellow/red card) Id be peeved
• Tommo down south says:
  So lets get this straight. 1 game ban for deliberate foul play, wether pulling shoulder out of joint or punching player in the face. What a message to send out to youngsters watching. Best wishes for speedy recovery James, Old Trafford awaits. Rhinos-Were coming for our trophy back!
• Ste R says:
  The game of Rugby League can't be played without Refs and Linesmen but if they do miss a serious incident then you would expect it to be dealt with properly after the game. Dangerous play should be dealt with accordingly and anyone could see what jjb was up to. Leeds have got away with this so you would at least expect them to keep a dignified silence..
• gaz says:
  these tackles happen every game to stop these tackles all they have to do is outlaw turning the player over in the tackle saints are masters at slowing down play the ball situations hence the sin binning on friday people in glass houses shouldnt throw stones i cant imagine jjb intentionally trying to injure but thats my view as a neutral
• Diane says:
  I was relieved that JJB's ban was upheld, meaning that two disciplinary boards believed the tackle was illegal. However, a one match ban for what appeared on screen to be a serious 'chicken wing' tackle seems a little soft. While JJB is putting his feet up, I hope James manages a full recovery and enjoys some R&R himself! We need him firing on all cylinders for the playoffs please!
• Kevin D says:
  The disciplinary panel has been an inconsistent farce this season - the outside world must wonder what you have to on the field in RL to get a serious ban. Does KP comments confirm that JC will now be leaving Saints?. Was hoping that we had kept the faith and supported him since his injury as he was going to be offered another contract.
• Barbara says:
  Totally agree with all of the above. This sort of play is unacceptable, the game is already the toughest one there is and these men have to be hard as nails to play at this level, but we dont need the nasty tactics which Leeds seem to be making part of their game. They are turning into a team of bullies, especially Senior and JJB. As for the RFL disciplinary committee, they are based in Leeds and it seems to me that Yorkshire teams can get away with murder. If we had done the same tackle on them it would have been a 4 match ban. Come on Jammer have a rest and then you can batter Leeds when we beat them in the playoffs.
• Eddie says:
  As a Leeds fan I must say I think JJB was lucky to only get a 1 game ban. In his defence he is usually a clean, hard working player, so I was surprised by his tactic. As for James Graham refusing to shake hands after the game he needs to grow up. It's a mans game not a primary school fight. I also remember, admittedly a couple of years ago, him taking out Rob Burrow after he had kicked the ball. He was so late I think he'd needed a taxi to get there - he's hardly whiter than white! Hope to meet again in the Grand Final, win or loose Leeds v Saints games are what it's all about!
• luckysaint says:
  the worst of all this incident and the disciplinary are the comments made by Mclennan about James Graham making it worse himself. I am alarmed that he could make comments of this nature, its very unprofessional indeed.
• GinnerJay says:
  Can I just point out to saints fans here - http://www.therfl.co.uk/superleague/news_item.php?id=15282 JJB did not do a "chicken wing tackle" still poor play but not a kfc tackle as you all keep saying
• Spencer says:
  Good point from the Leeds fan, when all else fails look for justification through history- James Graham is no angel because erm Chisnall once lamped Pitchford !! This week means nothing, and as nice as finishing top is , the last two years have proved you dont have to be the best team in super league to be crowned champions !
• algie says:
  yet again the RFL has shown how spineless it is,they say they want to clamp down on this tackle,they get there chance to send out a message an yet again they bottle it.Whats it gonna take before the RFL stands by what it says?Probably a player having his career ended or cut short by such a tackle it.Sad I know but they really need to do something and quick.
• dissallusioned dan says:
  I am going to re-new my season ticket next season, this is not because of anything saints have done or not done, but because i am cheesed off with the way R.L. is going now. weak decisions from refs and disciplinary, foul and nasty plays prevelent, and players now abusing the refs without being punished. Our once great game has caught up with football for being indisciplned. these are not just my feeling but also many of my lond standing fans feel the same. S.O.G.G. save our great game.
• steve smith says:
  Having read all of your comments I would like to point out that JJB's appeal ruled that having looked again at the video evidence, he did NOT commit a chicken wing tackle and has been cleared of this offence. His ban was upheld though and as a Rhinos fan I agree with the Ban, however all you Saints fans are so biased it's unreal. Unless everything goes yuor way you don't want to know. Wellens complains about forward passes and there's no worse team than you lot at that. And as for arguing with the ref...take 10 metres back boys....then another 10......see you in the Grand final. One last point guys Saints ARE a great team and If you can't take a bit of jolly banter then go support another sport!
• Eddie says:
  Oh Spencer your grapes are tasting very sour! I was simply pointing out that James Graham is no angle, if he were he might have some justification for his actions. If JJB's tackle is the worst that happens to him during his career he'll be a lucky man! It's just a game shake hands and move on! Chisnall and Pitchford? What has the 1970's got to do with any comment I made? Although 1978 was a good year, my first trip to wembley!
• Spencer says:
  Eddie , I am always the first person to admit if I am in the wrong and yes I let the anger and emotion I felt to cloud my comment. 1978 was my first wembley and although we lost I thought it was great. The RFL have to take the major share of the blame, either the chicken wing is either a major injury causing offence or it isnt and one match ban is a waste of whatever money they receive as salaries.By rights Eddie we should meet in the final and lets hope its a good one. Enjoy what should be a cricket score tonight against Salford. Take care.
• Eddie says:
  Spencer, it takes a man to admit they are wrong, so I shake your hand for that. 1978 was very special for me, not just the result, as I said it was my first wembley and my boyhood hero (John Atkinson) scored a great try. You have obviously followed Saints for as long as I've followed Leeds. During the years I've always enjoyed these games and admired Saints style of play. One of the best I remember was the 10-8 in the rain when you won to book your Grand Final place. Although like all fans I'm obviously biased to my team, I consider myself a sportsman and in the end it is just a game! I hope James Graham can see that and he too will shake hands and move on! I too hope we meet in the final for round 3! It will be a good one they all are!!!