NRL rule changes will make the game better, eventually
The NRL’s comeback will be the best platform our game has had in a long time and while the NRL’s new rule changes will have teething problems, they will give us back the sport we love, writes MATTY JOHNS.
Opinion
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We’re nearly there and what an opportunity the game has, in the next few weeks there will be more eyeballs on our sport than probably anytime in its history.
I’m personally excited to see how much of an effect the rule changes make.
While I’m a retired player and am employed as an analyst, primarily I’m a fan. I played the sport because I love the sport, and, like many of you, it’s part of who I am.
The rule changes Peter V’landys has imposed is the first step and a major one, in getting our sport back.
The 2020 rugby league footballer is superior than at any time in the game’s past, but the code has evolved in a direction which has had a negative impact from a spectator point of view, and in terms of television entertainment.
As far as the rule changes there will be teething problems, and I anticipate minor adjustments, but it’s short-term pain for long-term gain.
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ONE REFEREE
I like it in principle. Two referees has led to over-adjudication, but I’m betting the whistle blowers will be nervous.
Very few have gone it alone and players and coaches will test them.
Here’s the great irony, when one referee was announced most coaches were opposed to it because they believed it will lead to more wrestle, yet they are the ones who have the greatest control in eliminating it or at least reducing its impact on the sport.
Here’s the thing, coaches come and go in terms of the big picture, and just like the great players, the great coaches eventually reach their departure time. Games are won and lost and mostly forgotten.
Premierships are magical, but nothing is more important than the sport itself and its future.
I think we all would appreciate in this next crucial month of unprecedented opportunity, if the coaches agreed across the board to stop the muck in the rucks and let the game flow.
Is it fanciful? You’re right, I’m dreaming!
Then it’s up to the referee, which brings us to the next rule change.
WAVING SIX MORE FOR MUCK IN THE RUCK
This will really open up the game and have a huge impact on middle defenders.
If teams continually infringe in the ruck, their middle men will be out on their feet by halftime.
Here’s the thing, coaches will really test the waters early and test a referee’s nerve to continually wave six more.
The referees must be willing to keep restarting the tackle count for the rule to have the desired result.
Teams will soon be knocked into place when they’re forced to defend 16 tackle sequences.
If teams continue with slowing down tactics, particularly early in the count when waving six more doesn’t have a great consequence, then send them to the sin bin.
The discretionary powers of a referee to decide to blow a penalty, rather than give six more, does put pressure on a referee in a tight contest.
For instance, the attacking side is two points down with only minutes left, they’re 35 metres out and a defender puts a hand on the ball. Does the ref blow a penalty or wave six more?
This may be something which requires tinkering, but all in all, the rule is a beauty.
Who will benefit most from the rule? Any team who has a great number nine.
The middle defence is going to be vulnerable and the immediacy of the clever dummy-half will terrorise a tired defence.
The nine will be the game’s most important player.
INTERCHANGE REDUCTION
Going to six interchanges looks certain to happen in 2021.
More fatigue, faster rucks, less structure, less of those nauseating block to block formations.
Faster rucks don’t just open up the game, from an attacking point of view they force playmakers to play a more rapid, reactive style attack.
Playmakers won’t play totally off the top of their heads, but there will be more principle-based attack rather than slow, meandering structure.
REDUCE VIDEO REFEREE
I love this and I love that it’s been driven by the players.
From next year it’s highly probable that the video referee will be primarily a captain’s challenge-based system which will lead to less stoppages and once again, keep the tempo of the contest high.
The onus on the captains is to use the challenges wisely, taking pressure off the referees.
If a referee misses something and a try is wrongfully awarded it will be a case of, “Why didn’t the Captain challenge?” or “Why did he waste those challenges earlier?”
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3PM GRAND FINAL
Better for the fans, better for the players and far better for the style of football that will be played.
I understand the hesitation from Channel 9, they pay huge money and want maximum ratings.
But the ratings system doesn’t tell the full story.
In my opinion, a 3pm grand final will have more eyeballs on the television, it’s just that larger groups will congregate together rather than individually watching from their lounge rooms.
I’m sure the advertisers would understand this.
THE CRITICISM
All these adjustments and rule changes do have their critics.
“You can’t take all the rights off the defensive team.”
This argument is flawed, there’s no defensive team. Both sides attack and they defend. It’s just that some defend better than others and get more possession.
“We’ll see blowout scorelines.”
This may be the case in some matches early on, but don’t worry in time defence always finds a way to catch up, that’s why these changes had to be made.
Originally published as NRL rule changes will make the game better, eventually