Coaches are taking advantage of recent rule changes. Why are some commentators so surprised?
Six Again Rule Change
The NRL decided to speed up the game by awarding six again restarts for infringements from the attacking teams 20m line as opposed to their 40m line. Last year these infringements were penalties.
I find it amusing journalist are highlighting those cheating Panthers for deliberately giving away a restart in the oppositions’ half by testing the referees. The logic is if they can slow the play the ball, they can set their defensive line. If the referee restarts the tackle count it, they have still set the defensive line and given away one tackle.
This is not a new ploy.
When the six again restart was first introduced, most teams were doing this, to a point the NRL changed the rule the following year to blow penalties if the infringements were inside the 40m mark.
Is there any wonder why we have more set restarts? I know if I was playing I’d prefer the penalty.
Scrum Shot Clock
Most people think scrums are a waste of time. But a scrum offers the attacking team an opportunity to run a set play while there are six less defenders in the line.
Coaches recognise this with some teams are coached to not pack the scrum and let the scrum clock expire to give away the penalty. The attacking team can either elect to take the penalty kick or take a tap with the entire defensive line intact.
This is so negative and not what the scrum clock was intended for.
The NRL could fix this immediately. The teams are giving away a professional foul. Sinbin the captain and nobody will be doing this.
Two Point Byes
This is my annual rant. Why do teams still get two competition points for having a week off?
-Rob
The Creator
