RFL amends head contact framework after red card for Hull FC's Fa'amanu Brown

The Rugby Football League has revised its framework, external for penalising head-on-head contact, following the red card shown to Hull FC's Fa'amanu Brown against Warrington Wolves on Friday.

Following that tackle, which ended in a head clash between Brown and Warrington's Ben Currie, only the first contact will be applied to guidelines.

Currie was caught by Brown after his movement in a tackle by Morgan Smith.

For 2024, high tackles deemed forceful or dangerous result in a dismissal.

Referees will be encouraged to use their "knowledge and game-understanding" to deal with such incidents which occur in a tackle, that do not come under the new framework.

"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," RFL director of operations and legal Robert Hicks said.

"The dismissal of Nu Brown at Warrington on Friday 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.

"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."

The focus on reducing head contacts within rugby league is a precursor to the lowering of tackle height to below the armpit from 2025.

Matt Newsum, BBC rugby league reporter

Reducing head contacts in rugby league is a necessity for the governing body as it is paramount to ensuring the game can secure the insurance needed to keep it going.

It is a tricky balancing act, retaining the physicality for which the game is loved, while protecting player welfare in a fast-paced, ferocious contact sport.

The new frameworks are clear on paper. Head contact, forceful or dangerous with no mitigation, equals red. Forceful or dangerous but with mitigation - such as player lowered tackle height, for example - equals sin-bin. Not forceful, then just a penalty - or sometimes no penalty.

Brown's dismissal was down to unclear guidance as to the interpretation of the framework, and hopefully now referees will feel empowered to use common sense in situations like that.

There was frustration from fans, players and former players that the incident, which seemed accidental, was penalised more harshly than other incidents across the round of games - such as Leeds' James Donaldson, who was only sin-binned for a swinging arm high tackle on Hull KR's Oliver Gildart.

Fans want consistency, players want a game where they know where they stand and everyone wants rugby league to be played to its fullest.

The response to round one was a clear reduction in the number of cards and bans issued, as players have to tailor their game to the new regulations.

Communication and dialogue will be the most important thing for the RFL now, ensuring all players and coaches at the professional level are across the decision-making and can offer their input as the custodians of the sport.

Jack Brown (Hull FC) - Grade B dangerous contact - £250 fine

Harvey Barron (Hull FC) - Grade B dangerous contact - £250 fine

Will Gardner (Hull FC) - Grade B dangerous contact - £250 fine

Liam Sutcliffe (Hull FC) - Grade D contact with match officials - two-match penalty notice and £250 fine

James Donaldson (Leeds Rhinos) - Grade D head contact - two-match penalty notice and £250 fine

Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos) - Grade D head contact - three-match penalty notice and £250 fine

Clubs/players can appeal against their charges, which will lead to them attending an independent regulatory hearing.