Origin star Ben Ross slams proposed kickoff rule change

Ben Ross has called for the NRL to rethink its proposed kick-off rule change and focus on enforcing tackle technique training as part of efforts to reduce concussion rates.

The 2024 season saw a number of players concussed in their first hit up after a kick-off, prompting the NRL to review methods and rulings that could reduce the risk of severe collisions.

Wide World of Sports revealed that the proposed measure would see teams punished for any kick-offs that exceed their oppositions 20-metre line.

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But the point of contact causing these concussions, according to Ross, is not due to the force of the tackle but rather a result of poor technique.

The former Maroons player said the league would be removing the traditional "test of the toughest" act that ignites the fire in both team's game.

"I think they need to reconsider that [rule change] and think of other ways," he told 2GB's Wide World of Sports Radio.

"It's what the DNA of rugby league is. It is the kick-off, it's the first thing that starts the grand final, State of Origin.

"Everyone loves that confrontation. I know we talk about how people are going to get knocked out, but it comes down to the technique of the tackle.

"Understanding that there is a high point of collision between two players, 10 metres is all they need.

"They don't need 40 or 50 metres. The injury will occur within 10. If that's what they are trying to eliminate then it's a waste of time.

"As a front-rower, that is the thing you love the most. It is the beginning of the battle, it's a test of the toughest.

"Everyone loves that confrontation. I know we talk about how people are going to get knocked out, but it comes down to the technique of the tackle."

Ben Ross played for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Getty

Ross recalled his own experiences with concussion injuries and noted that his most severe battle was caused on a five-metre run.

"I'm one of those guys who has been knocked out a number times and that was just from normal hit-ups, let alone running from a kick-off," Ross said.

"My biggest knockout was from a five-metre run where Josh Perry and I collided, head clash, I think I was out for about 15 minutes.

"Now that was poor tackle technique by Josh Perry. It wasn't the force, it was just poor technique.

"I know what they are trying to aim for, lessening the collision and the injuries, but I don't think that's going to work."

The 44-year-old questioned if the rule would be applied to all kicks in the competition as the same level of risk can be applied to a ball that is booted 50 metres down the field during play.

"I seem to think that if they cut out the kick-off why aren't they cutting out (all) kicks?" Ross asked.

"If a halfback kicks 50 metres down the field to a fullback... remember the likes of Jarryd Hayne and those types of people who used to just sprint back into the line, it is the exact same thing.

"If someone is going to come down and try to put a big shot on off the kick off and they do a mishap, send them off and cost them 10 weeks on the sidelines.

"If you do something like that people will concentrate on how to tackle. It is not that hard.

"You have got to keep the kick-off in the game."

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