NRL’s ‘six again’ rule and one referee a hit on debut as Eels turn on style against Broncos
Peter V’landys promised the new ‘six again’ rule, enforced by only one referee, would make for a faster, more entertaining game. On the evidence of (re)opening night he was right. Again.
NRL
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Peter V’landys could drop $10 on the ground right now and, as he bends to pick it, find himself a fifty.
Truly, that’s how good his new ‘six again’ rule went on debut.
Sure, few wanted it.
But who cares, right?
For just as the ARLC chairman promised the new rule – enforced by only one referee – would make for a faster, more entertaining brand of rugby league, so it proved in the cracker between Parramatta and Brisbane.
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Just as V’landys predicted, his new law was unveiled at Suncorp Stadium in a contest that appeared fast, less structured and with fatigue opening up space in the middle.
Better, it started after just two minutes.
When the Eels, camped around halfway, received consecutive six again calls and, within a blink, went from thudding upfield to threatening a white stripe.
On effectively their third set, Eels No.13 Marata Niukore taking an inside ball from Mitchell Moses before mixing some nice footwork with a big fend to crash over next to the uprights.
Initially, referee Gerard Sutton ruled ‘No Try’.
But then, well, the Bunker correctly overruled him.
Beautiful.
Same again with a dozen minutes until the break, when the Eels were once more attacking the white stripe and a couple of Broncos defenders were pinged for infringing in the ruck.
Usually, a penalty would see the Eels take a penalty goal.
Instead, six again was called.
So the Slipperies continued attacking, forced a repeat set and eventually put winger Maika Sivo over in the corner with some bloody exciting footy.
Just as V’landys has predicted.