Interesting stats from "NRL Physio" who noted:
"NRL ACL injuries are at the lowest rate in years for the 2019 season. Only 7 occurred during NRL games. Hopefully a sign of things to come with success of ACL injury prevention programs."
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Just out of curisoity, what year did the 9's start?
Abe: 2014, I think, mate. 2016 is vivid.
OK, was just curious if there was a spike in ACL's when 9's commenced, but doesnt appear so.
TAD, no one has ever survived one to be able to tell us.
I would suggest this trend can be attributed to the NRL clamping down on the 3rd man in going below the knees. Hooray, the NRL got something right for a change.
I think a bigger contribution than rule changes is the increased focus of strength and conditioning staff on injury prevention. In recent years there has been more and more research into how players can be physically prepared to lessen the risk of lower limb injuries. The vast majority of ACL injuries are generally from a non-contact mechanism. So it's a player slipping, trying to sidestep, landing incorrectly. A non-contact mechanism can indicate a weakness in the athlete. Recent research indicates that a strong posterior chain, coupled with strength in the quads lessens the risk of ACL injuries as the surrounding muscles can apply force evenly as well as take pressure off the ACL when completing movements.