Rugby league legend Cameron Smith has put together a passionate defence for keeping the kick-off in the NRL after fierce recent debate following several concussions suffered from the start to games this season.
The debate for considering to ban the kick-off was reignited after St George forward Moses Suli was knocked out trying to tackle Sydney Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves during their Anzac Day clash.
But the Melbourne Storm, Queensland Maroons and Kangaroos icon said he believed the kick-off was part of the fabric of the game.
“I think we need to keep it, it’s what our game is all about, as soon as you take that away, what is our game,” Smith said on SENQ Breakfast.
“I haven’t had to stand on the back fence of a rugby field and had to return one of those balls from a kick-off but what’s the alternative?
“Are we going to give that side that just scored a try a restart from their 20m line with a tap or a play-the-ball.
“I don’t think we can take it out of our game.”
Smith, whose career spanned across 18 years including 430 appearances for the Storm, 42 for Queensland and 56 for Australia, said there were other areas the game could address before banning the kick-off.
“Why don’t we work on our technique, put a bit more time into our tackling technique," he added.
"Make sure that we’re not standing up tall and getting our heads in front of arms and forearms, and the guy who’s returning the ball, in front of his melon as well."
“Why don’t we start coaching a bit better technique to make better tackles. “It’s a part of the game unfortunately that we’re not going to be able to remove entirely is the chance of having head knocks.
“What game will we be playing without a kick-off.
“It’s a really difficult one because it’s a very sensitive subject at the moment, the head knocks and the concussions and what it could potentially lead to down the track… but I just think the kick-off is such an important part of our game.”