NRL 2022: The rule change designed to stop six-again controversy
A new rule designed to stop teams intentionally rorting the six-again rule could have an added bonus that is sure to please fans.
NRL
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The NRL is set to make another significant rule change next season designed to stop teams intentionally rorting the six-again rule.
It can be revealed the one rule change that will be introduced for 2022 relates to getting rid of the six-again call for attacking teams coming out of their own end.
Instead, defensive teams will again be penalised for infringements inside the 40m zone.
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The game’s bosses are extremely mindful that most coaches, players and fans are fed up with the constant changes in recent seasons. But this is one flaw most would probably agree was overdue to be fixed.
Too often teams are coached to give up early tackle six-again calls knowing it will gain them dominance for the set and therefore win crucial field position.
But now this shapes as a major momentum shift, because it will allow teams to kick for touch and potentially have a full set in the opposition’s half, as was the case previously.
The six-again call has divided fans and experts since it was introduced after the 2020 shutdown, but the fact is it is not going away.
On one hand it has helped almost eliminate complaints about the wrestle and it has certainly put more focus back on unstructured attack.
But many believe that has also led to too many lopsided scores because it has exposed a greater divide between best and the worst.
While fans will continue to debate which style of football they prefer, at least this change will hopefully deter teams from intentionally and blatantly breaking the rules.
It could also have an added bonus of making it a more even contest.
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