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Dangerous ... The ARLC is set to ban the shoulder charge from the 2013 season. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited
Cronulla Sharks skipper Paul Gallen says the ARLC is "taking something out of the game" after the Commission accepted a recommendation to outlaw the shoulder charge from all competitions from 2013.
The ARLC announcement was made through a press release on Tuesday evening.
"The Commission has reviewed a detailed report into the shoulder charge and accepted a management recommendation that the increased size of athletes was creating a situation where the shoulder charge could, if maintained, lead to an unacceptable injury risk," the statement read.
Gallen, speaking on Triple M on Tuesday evening, said he was shocked at the news and that, if approved, it would deprive fans of one of their favourite parts of the game.
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"I was shocked it has really surprised me they've banned it," the uncompromising forward said.
"We don't want players getting hurt, but it's taking some of the toughness of the game.
"Like it or not, the fans do appreciate it when it comes off."
Gallen said reducing the number of interchanges would make it harder for bigger players to produce so many huge hits.
"Personally I think it would change a lot of things," he said.
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"If you have blokes who are 115-135 kilos scratching around, they would simply have to lose weight and become fitter.
"It will make the bigger men tired and certainly take the collisions out of the game.
In the ARLC's statement, NRL Interim Chief Executive, Shane Mattiske said player welfare was at the centre of the decision.
"This is about reducing a potential risk of serious injury to our players," Mattiske said.
"The Commission has gone through a thorough review process and been public in warning players about the risks of illegal play.
"The report shows that the shoulder charge is not a significant part of the game and its removal is not likely to impact on the way the game is played.
"With the increase in size and strength of the players, we believe this is the time to eliminate a potential risk."
Gallen's Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan echoed his skipper's sentiments and said he was concerned at how the new ruling would be interpreted.
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"It sounds easy but it's not," Flanagan told AAP.
"How are do they determine that a player wasn't affecting a tackle when his shoulder comes into contact with the head?
"This can happen sometimes when a player lowers his centre of gravity when running with the ball. I just want to know the difference between that and a shoulder charge."
Flanagan said reducing the interchange from 12 to eight would encourage more playmakers to come into the game.
"It would see more footballers who are not just athletes," he said.
"We are too athlete-based. We need to become more football-based. This would bring the smaller players back into the game and make fatigue more of a factor."
Wests Tigers captain Robbie Farah on Tuesday joined the chorus of NRL players to express their disappointment at the decision.
"When executed correctly I think it's a great part of our game," Farah said.
"It's been there for years and it's unfortunate that it won't be any more.
"Your own teammates get a lift from a shoulder charge, from a big hit."
Several players were controversially banned over shoulder charges in 2012, including Greg Inglis, Frank Pritchard and Ben Te'o.
NRL general manager of football operations Nathan McGuirk will consult with the game's Competition Committee to finalise proposed rule amendments in relation to the shoulder charge.
The proposed rule amendments will be put before the commission at December's meeting.
