The Rugby Football League say the data gathered from the first match of a six-week trial aiming to reduce head contact will help shape the future of the game.
Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls' academy teams made history on Thursday evening as they played under new rules that saw tackling above the armpit outlawed. But the first game on the experiment was eye-opening to say the least, with a staggering 57 penalties given during the match with 49 of them for high tackles.
It is hoped that the trial period will help experts gather data and see if the new rulings can prevent head contact, which would make the game safer in the future. However, there are some obvious early challenges relating to the spectacle of the sport, with Thursday's match a tough watch for all involved.
