According to Craig Bellamy, the coach of Melbourne Storm, if Canberra coach David Furner thinks that their players are trained to tackle opponents by targeting the head, he must view them as a “bunch of hillbillies”.
Before Wednesday’s training session, Bellamy spoke to the media and responded to critics of Melbourne’s tackling methods, specifically targeting Canberra.
His remarks followed accusations from the Raiders, who claimed that Storm players utilized a new tackling technique referred to as the “chin strap” during Melbourne’s 24-19 victory in round one.
Furner had submitted video evidence to the NRL, highlighting six tackles made by Storm players.
While Bellamy admitted that one of those tackles, executed by Todd Lowrie, warranted a penalty, he asserted that there is no head-high wrestling involved.
“I’m unsure if David Furner really believes we’re a bunch of hillbillies down here,” Bellamy commented.
“… If he believes that we actually instruct our players to target the heads and necks of other players in a time when that aspect of the game is heavily monitored by referees and the match review committee, he’s mistaken.
“I know we might not be the brightest, but we’re certainly not that foolish either.”
Bellamy also pointed out that he sees his players as a convenient target for individuals and rival clubs facing pressure.
Over the years, the Storm have faced allegations regarding other questionable tackling techniques, including the ‘chicken wing’, ‘grapple’, and ‘crusher’.
by Buford Balony
