3 days ago
Disturbing video shows footy fans taking 'run it straight' craze up a notch just days after it cost teenager his life
Shocking footage has emerged of footy fans taking the lethal 'run it straight' trend to dangerous new levels at an NRL match.
The run it straight trend involves people charging directly at each other to mimic a rugby-style collision.
It gained popularity on social media with official competitions popping up in Sydney and in New Zealand but has drawn criticism for its dangerous nature.
The trend turned deadly last week after New Zealand teenager Ryan Satterthwaite tragically lost his life attempting the challenge.
He sustained a serious head injury during an impromptu game with friends and passed away in hospital on May 26.
His death has prompted widespread warnings from health experts and authorities about the dangers of this viral trend, but it seems to have fallen on deaf ears at Four Pines Park, formerly known as Brookvale Oval in Manly.
During a recent NRL match at the venue, a series of spectators decided to take on the run it straight challenge on the back of the hill.
However they decided to ramp up the danger by using the actual hill to speed up the action.
One participant was filmed chugging a drink before roaring and charging down the hill, only to be ironed out by another participant wearing a Manly Sea Eagles jersey.
The footage has quickly drawn criticism following the death of Satterthwaite in New Zealand.
'Glad to see we've learnt from the poor blokes passing in New Zealand last week,' one viewer posted, tongue firmly in cheek.
'Would love to know how many ended up at northern beaches hospital,' posted another.
'Intelligence below the charts,' added another.
Despite the obvious dangers, the warnings and the death of Satterthwaite, the video still attracted plenty of attention from people loving the trend.
Events have popped up in Australia and New Zealand with cash prizes on offer, but they have been getting postponed and cancelled in recent weeks
'My son was there. He loved it,' one viewer posted with a series of laughing emojis.
'It's called fun. You need to leave the indoors more,' another fired back at a commentator pointing out Satterthwaite's death.
'I'm not opposed to this,' posted another.
It comes after former dual-code footy star Sonny Bill Williams had to walk back comments he made online that appeared to endorse the trend.
Williams shared footage from his playing days with the Bulldogs, colliding with Penrith's Joel Clinton with the video captioned 'old school what a hit'.
He added: 'Playing run it straight before it was called run it straight.'
Williams later apologised after learning about Satterthwaite's death.
'I put a video up last night, and I just want to ask for forgiveness of the young fulla that passed away,' Williams said on his social media account.
'Please excuse me for my insensitivity. I did not know that had happened.
'I want to talk about it for a second right now.
'I've been asked to collab with the Run it Straight people, or a couple of people and I haven't.
'Simply because I wouldn't put my kids in it.
'I have safety concerns and that's just my thoughts on it.'
Several 'Run It Straight' events in South Auckland were cancelled due to safety concerns and lack of permits following the teenager's death.
The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board raised concerns over concussion risks and unregulated contact.
One event at Williams Park was scrapped after organisers failed to book the venue or seek council approval.
Organisers instead held a meet-and-greet at Sylvia Park following the death of Satterthwaite.
