OK serious and genuine question, or one for debate if anyone will enlighten me please
The injury to Aaron Smith tonight, follows a pattern this year of what I've seen described by Sky Sports punters, as certain attacking players having the 'ability to turn in the tackle' as they are in attacking play, meaning their leading shoulder comes into contact with the defender first. Often, that contact is with the head from what I've seen.
Why then is that deemed acceptable contact, when had it been the other way around and the defender made the turn to lead with the shoulder, it's deemed a shoulder charge and is punishable as a penalty? Thats perhaps exemplified by the sin binning tonight of the Warrington player for leading with the shoulder (although I am not inviting direct comparison of the two contacts, merely the principle).
Why are they not the same offence? I should add I have asked a friend who is an experienced amateur referee (but did not see the incidents in tonights game so was only commenting generally), and his view is that leading with the shoulder into contact is the same as attacker or defender, and should have the same consistent punishment.I tend to agree with him. Thoughts and/or comments?