BBC Sportrugbyleague

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 22:32 GMT, Saturday, 14 March 2009

Matterson fury at grapple tackles

Castleford coach Terry Matterson
Matterson's side are fifth in the table after three wins from five games

Disgruntled Castleford coach Terry Matterson has accused Huddersfield's Nathan Brown of introducing the grapple tackle into Super League.

"They have done a good job eradicating the grapple tackle in the NRL with two referees but Huddersfield have brought it here," claimed Matterson.

The Australian was fuming after seeing his side lose 26-24 to the Giants.

However, a defiant Brown countered: "We don't grapple and we are getting harshly mistreated."

The controversial grapple tackle sees players tackled around the neck after initial contact in an attempt to delay the play-the-ball.

606: DEBATE

"They were round our heads all day. They kept doing it and our guys were frustrated," added Matterson.

"I think the penalties in the second half were 6-0 and it should have been 16-0.

"We don't want people around guys' necks. It didn't happen when I played. The guys will end up taking it into their own hands.

"At the end of the day, that's not why we lost. We had enough opportunities."

If they can have that much ball and can't beat us and they're worried about us grappling, well they're going to have more problems as the year goes on

Nathan Brown

However, Brown revealed he had spoken to Rugby Football League referees chief Stuart Cummings on the subject of the tackle.

"If we end up around heads, we should be penalised," said the Giants coach. "We don't practise it. I don't believe in it myself.

"If they can have that much ball and can't beat us and they're worried about us grappling, well they're going to have more problems as the year goes on."



Print Sponsor


see also
Castleford 24-26 Huddersfield
14 Mar 09 |  Rugby League


related bbc links:

related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites