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Matt Newsum, BBC rugby league reporter
Reducing head contacts in rugby league is a necessity for the governing body as it is paramount to ensuring the game can secure the insurance needed to keep it going.
It is a tricky balancing act, retaining the physicality which the game is loved for, while protecting player welfare in a fast-paced, ferocious contact sport.
The new frameworks are clear on paper; head contact forceful or dangerous with no mitigation equals red, forceful or dangerous but with mitigation – such as player lowered tackle height, for example – equals sin-bin, not forceful then just penalty – or sometimes no penalty.
Brown’s dismissal was down to unclear guidance as to the interpretation of the framework, and hopefully now referees will feel empowered to use common sense in situations like that.
There was frustration from fans, players and former players that the incident, which seemed accidental, was penalised more harshly than other incidents across the round, such as Leeds’ James Donaldson, who was only sin-binned for a swinging arm high tackle on Hull KR’s Oliver Gildart.
Fans want consistency, players want a game where they know where they stand and everyone wants rugby league to be played to its fullest.
The response to round one was a clear reduction in the number of cards and bans issued, as players have to tailor their game to the new regulations.
Communication and dialogue will be the most important thing for the RFL now, ensuring all players and coaches at the professional level are across the decision-making and can offer their input as the custodians of the sport.
