Phil Gould presents a theory explaining why hip-drop tackles have surged in the NRL, detailing the mechanism and supporting evidence he cites.

The article sits within a broader SMH sports ecosystem, with related NRL stories and sport content providing context.

The piece carries an updated timestamp for September 29, 2026, reflecting its latest publication and initial release noted at 12:25 a.m. that day.

Beyond the core narrative, the page features site navigation, related videos, and branding from The Sydney Morning Herald, though the central focus remains Gould’s explanation of tackling trends.

Gould’s theory centers on why hip-drop tackles have become more frequent in the NRL, offering a structured explanation.