NewsBite

NRL coaches must plot new game plans as wrestle rule changed

NRL coaches devote hours each week at training to wrestling. They’ll soon stop following this rule change — and the NRL will be better for it.

HIGHLIGHT

We had never heard of Silvio Del Vecchio until Sunday.

He is the boss of the NRL referees union. Silvio was apparently threatening strike action.

This was good news in that it would help cost-cutting in a department that needs to slash spending.

Now Silvio has backtracked, telling colleague Michael Carayannis the union won’t be going down that path.

Relive classic NRL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

LOWLIGHT

NRL coaches complaining about returning to one referee.

It’s an easy one to fix fellas — stop spending hours each week at training on wrestling.

When the game resumes, I hope there is an avalanche of tries from six-again calls for deliberate ruck infringements.

They’ll soon stop doing it.

The Burgess brothers, Tom and George, wrestle during a training drill. Picture: Toby Zerna
The Burgess brothers, Tom and George, wrestle during a training drill. Picture: Toby Zerna

TOPS FROM TURVEY

The great Steve ‘Turvey’ Mortimer was an excitement machine in his day.

Unlike the coaches, he’s thrilled we’re going back to one ref. He sent me this text message over the weekend.

“Buzz, it was truly wonderful to hear that NRL will go back to 1 only referee. It is the only way to attract plenty of people coming to the game.

“I’m so glad that to hear & see only one referee will be out there for the Greatest Game of All! Hip hip hooray!

“The previous administration were looking for changes to our game & putting 2 referees on the paddock was bloody stupid & slows the game down.

“I hope everyone will support one referee only. Cheers Turvey.”

Steve Mortimer has backed the change back to one referee. Picture: Christian Gilles
Steve Mortimer has backed the change back to one referee. Picture: Christian Gilles

IRONED OUT

The chances of ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, 53, having a serious fight against Paul Gallen, Sonny Bill Williams, Barry Hall or anyone else are a million to one.

If he steps back into the ring it will be for an exhibition bout only with headgear and huge gloves in a situation where no one could get hurt.

MORE BUZZ: Cash-strapped NRL on verge of $2.3b pay day

MORE BUZZ: ABC to probe NRL financial woes

MORE BUZZ: Meet NRL’s wonder WAG

PODCAST PACKS PUNCH

Jeff Fenech has a new podcast called Standing 8.

In his first episode he gives it to his former trainer Johnny Lewis over a number of issues.

Fenech plans to interview Kings Cross identity John Ibrahim for his second episode.

SPOTTED

Former Sydney Roosters star Anthony Minichiello filming exercise and workout techniques for Minifit, his health and fitness business that has gone online during COVID-19.

TUNE IN

Catch you this morning on the Big Sports Breakfast with Laurie Daley, Michael Clarke and Gerard Middleton to discuss a huge weekend in rugby league news.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-coaches-must-plot-new-game-plans-as-wrestle-rule-changed/news-story/7b4142e84e63ac49c0c056866a8e7ed1