NRL clubs are privately frustrated with the new one on one strip rule

The NRL’s head of football elite competitions Graham Annesley is open to changing the current stripping rule with some clubs privately frustrated that the new interpretation is being exploited by rivals.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Sio Siua Taukeiaho of the Roosters takes on the defence during the round nine NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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The NRL’s head of football elite competitions Graham Annesley is open to changing the current stripping rule with some clubs privately frustrated that the new interpretation is being exploited by rivals.

One-on-one steals have almost doubled in 2019 compared to last season with 38 strips after 10 rounds in this year to 21 in 2018.

There were only 13 at the same stage in 2017 and 2016.

The stripping rule previously stated that if two or more players were involved in the tackle, the attacking team would receive a penalty, even if the extra defenders peeled off.

This has changed in 2019 and some clubs are concerned that the extra players in a tackle are still contributing to the steal.

There is also a fear that teams will exploit the rule by encouraging their defenders to attack legs so the player’s ball security can be compromised.

More and more teams are going for one on one steals. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

This wrestling tactic also slows down the play-the-ball, which impacts the viewing quality of the game.

“What’s the point of 1 man strip if 2 or 3 started it? It’s like softening up a boxer by letting two other fighters have a shot and then one works him,” one club official told The Daily Telegraph on the condition of anonymity.

“There would have to be a question mark on what amount of force applied in the initial 2 or 3 man contact led to the ball becoming compromised and leading to an advantage for the strip.

“I can see a significant rise in collision force and in particular the shoulder, elbow, forearm and hand of the ball protecting arm.

“I would say there will be more urgency in making the legs, knees and ankles a target to add more concern to the player being tackled so the ball security can be compromised.”

The new stripping rule has become a go-to play for defences in the NRL.

Munster has emerged as a top poacher. AAP Image/Darren England.

Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson and Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster have produced the most steals this season with three each.

Raiders back-rower Elliott Whitehead has 2 as does Cronulla utility Kurt Capewell.

Annesley concedes the stripping rule will never be perfect, saying he’d welcome any advice on how to tinker with the interpretation.

“I don’t have a closed mind on anything,” Annesley said.

“If anyone comes up with a better proposal to deal with stripping then we should always consider it.

“But I know we’ve tried many variations over the years and they’ve all been met with both for and against arguments.

“Throughout my time in the game we’ve had every variation of the stripping rule and I’m absolutely convinced that there is no perfect answer.

“But I think where we’ve settled is a good middle ground.

“Whichever interpretation of the stripping rule we come up with there will be controversy about it.

“When we change a rule we always think about how we can make it easier to referee and I think the happy medium that we’ve got at the moment is probably the best possible outcome.”

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, who is on the NRL’s competition committee, believes the new stripping rule is the best result for all parties.

“It is a fairer contest where both attack and defence have equity with ball security,” Meninga said.

“There is more onus on the ball carrier in the tackle to secure the ball.”

Originally published as NRL clubs are privately frustrated with the new one on one strip rule