The former LNR playmaker Shaun Johnson launched a scathing attack on the current repression of the high tackle of the league, calling for the management of `stupid ” and accusation of the LNR to ruin the integrity of the game.
Speaking on the Podcast Play on Sports Show, the recently retired kiwi star has not retained. “I can actually say what I want now, so let’s go,” said Johnson, clearly frustrated by recent events.
“I can appreciate that the rules are in place to protect players. At the end of the day, all they are trying to do is protect players, right? But they are so stupid. How far they have let that go, it’s stupid. Like good stupidity.
Johnson’s comments are involved in the midst of an increasing reaction to the LNR approach for high contact penalties, which saw a record of 18 players rooted in turn 8 of the 2025 season.
The accusations of inconsistency, excess and useless intervention by the bunker have created a generalized debate in the world of the rugby league.
“Accidents are part of our sport. We play him knowing that Johnson continued. “Now there is an intention and there is malice. So if someone falls on top with an arm of misfortune that swings or jumps from the ground and lifts a elbow, send it. Ten minutes at strict minimum.
The former LNR playmaker Shaun Johnson, castigated the LNR for the sin players who cut the opposition stars who fell into the plated
Former New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks star wants to see the common sense applied in high shooting repression
Its main problem, however, was with what he considered as the unnecessary sinking of players who establish an accessory contact during legal plasters.
“But if you have someone who makes a cutting plate that lowers the height of the person’s body at the last minute, and you have Kodi Nikorima, who does not have a bad aggressive bone in his body, cut a chin, just without movement, but just the head falling into the arm – the boys of common sense.”
“Like seriously, you destroy the product,” said Johnson. “You remove a whole week preparation to a team, going on the road to try to do something together. Like, it is actually so frustrating that a player or an ex-player.
“Imagine some of these boys who played in the 80s. They just have to be as fashionable. “You make us lose the street credit, some of these boys that we admired.
“Pull your head, seriously. NRL, remove your finger.
“Admit that, okay, we went too far with it. And just, look, you want to show wickedness and remove someone’s head, we will charge you, soft. We are satisfied with that, right?
Johnson’s passionate speech hit the sensitive fans and even drew the support of influential voice in the game.
Bulldogs Boss and nine commentators Phil Gould shared the clip on social networks, simply adding: “Here.”
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Gould, who has long expressed his concerns concerning the direction of officer, again criticized the disturbances caused by the recent repression.
“There were probably also three times more penalties. They were very arrested all weekend, ” told Gould in Nine’s Today Show. “I don’t know what they are trying to achieve and if they have achieved their goal.”
“We have magic this weekend. I hope they get everything that is sorted before leaving and putting the game exposed all over the world. It’s frustrating.
The indignation follows a fiery program of the legend of the LNR Andrew Johns, who also criticized the management of the high tackle penalties league.
“The ventilation of this sending of players to the bac is absolutely eccentric,” said Johns during the Sunday Footy Show.
“Let’s go beyond a joke. It’s embarrassing. The over-analysis and overcoming the bunker at stake … The bunker should only be used for scoring opportunities unless it is a shipment.
“If it is an out and out -off sending and they miss it, then fairly fair – enter and send the player.”
“But going back eight games in a set of six where the referee does not see it, the tactile judges do not see it, the players do not see it – and sending someone to the bac – is absolutely eccentric.”
