Monday Buzz: Rules changes could backfire on NRL
It’s great that fact Peter V’landys is listening to the fans, but new rules need to be properly pressure tested — check out the talking points from another big weekend in sport.
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Rugby league needs to take a deep breath, slow down and relax.
We wrote last week about the constant harassment of Latrell Mitchell in his contract negotiations.
Now it’s head office and the independent commission in a mad rush.
On Friday they announced seven rules changes just three months out from the start of the season.
At that rate we’ll have 35 new rules every five years.
NRL officials don’t even know how the proposed captain/coach challenge will work.
Seriously, they have no idea.
We love the fact new independent commission boss Peter V’landys is listening to the fans. But new rules need to be properly pressure tested.
They should have been trialled last season in matches with no bearing on the finals.
Or they should use the Charity Shield or Indigenous All-Stars next year to experiment.
Once we are satisfied it will work, then make a decision. Making seven rule changes at once is crazy and confusing.
Check out the highlights, lowlights and talking points from another big weekend in sport.
HIGHLIGHT
South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett drove all the way to Dunedoo and back on Saturday to talk on mental health at the local sports club. “He had the crowd in the palm of his hand and spoke beautifully,” said a local.
LOWLIGHT
The dangerous state of the MCG wicket which forced players off the field in the Sheffield Shield match and the game to be abandoned. This is an embarrassment three weeks out from the Boxing Day Test match.
BOXING ON
Big Bad Barry Hall is ducking for cover at the prospect of having to fight power punching Darcy Lussick, who threw out a challenge to the former AFL star after knocking out Justin Hodges on Friday night. We rang and texted Bazza on three occasions over the weekend but got no reply.
SPOTTED
Former English captain Michael Vaughan and Fox Sports commentator training at the F45 gym at Coogee last week and catching up with Sammy Burgess for a coffee. Vaughan’s family has also arrived from the UK for Christmas.
TAYLOR TIME
It’s a huge off-season for Titans halfback Ash Taylor, who has settled in well for new coach Justin Holbrook. His partner is expecting their first child before Christmas.
SHOOSH
Which big name Kangaroos player is in dispute with his manager over a shoe sponsorship deal that has left him short-changed for around $10,000?
SHOOSH II
It has been mentioned the Brisbane Broncos are interested in Israel Folau. What hasn’t been reported is that a Sydney-based NRL club has also privately discussed signing him.
SHOOSH III
Which big-name forward from an interstate NRL club wants to return to Sydney for family reasons? It could be a big story in the new year.
SHOOSH IV
We’re hearing the NRL has plans to overhaul the voting system for the Dally M Awards next year. Many players have lost respect and confidence in the award and boycotted the function in October.