NRL Heres some thoughts on how to make the Nrl game better.

[~Navigator~]

SO HOW DO WE FIX IT?



Here are my proposed solutions, and it begins with adjustments to rugby league game play:

- Reduce interchanges to only six per game to increase game continuity.

- Penalties must be taken on the spot — no kicking or choice of location.

- No more scrums and instead a handover takes place.

- No six-agains inside your own half, with penalties awarded instead.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

That would mean more spontaneous football, more one-on-one tackles and more fatigue, and in turn less gang tackling.

This change would also increase the role of smaller, creative players who have become somewhat obsolete in the modern game.


I also believe the influence of kicking on a contest needs to be dampened.

As it stands, if you win the kicking battle, you win the game.

Look at the Panthers success. It’s no surprise they have Nathan Cleary, arguably the most skilled kicker in the game leading them around the field.


With kicking having such a big influence on contests, the importance of running the ball and breaking a line is reduced.


The importance of kicking has also impacted the talent pool of playmakers.

Halfbacks need to be able to kick, whereas in the past their running game could be their best asset.

If you don’t have a massive boot, you can’t be an elite half.

In years gone by, when the game flowed more, the depth in the halves position was immense compared to how it sits in the modern game.

Think back to the 2000s, you had Craig Gower, Brett Kimmorley, Scott Prince, Benji Marshall, Jamie Soward, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Matty Johns, Darren Lockyer.

That style of playmaker isn’t on brand anymore, specifically because of the importance of kicking.

So here are some changes I’d make:

- The kick-off after a try, the kicking team restarts and that kick must go 20 metres or a penalty is blown.

- Line drop outs must go 20 metres, or a penalty is blown.

- Scrap the 40/20 and other rewards for kicks, stemming the flow of possession.


- Tries scored off kicks are only worth three points.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

Meanwhile, the way in which our game is refereed needs reassessed, by everyone, including fans. Our game’s officials are expected to be robots.

They can’t get everything right, that’s not reality. By slowing each decision down, we are slowing the game down. Too many stoppages occur because of refereeing decisions.

Therefore, I believe the following should be implemented:

- More ‘play on’ calls for 50/50 knock ons, play-the-balls and line forward passes.

- Reduce the influence of the Bunker and enforce rules consistently throughout a whole season.

- Crack down on deliberate rule breaking and teams who consistently flaunt the line, especially when it comes to the play-the-ball and early tackle offsides.

- More sin bins for repeat offenders.

- Stop the influence of captains in slowing down calls that could influence the result of a contest.

- Bunker decisions will be limited to one minute max, otherwise they follow the on-field ruling should a decision not be made.

In what could be a radical change, I also believe we should have only 12 players on the field, not 13.

There’s ongoing discussion in rugby union regarding whether they should drop from their traditional 15-man game, while I believe rugby league could benefit from a similar move.


The lock position is the obvious one to go, meaning there’s no influence on the left and right defensive lines, only opening up the middle of the park.

By dropping to 12 players on the field, the influences would be:

- A more open field for players to be creative, which in turn creates faster and more exciting game play.


- The robotic structures implemented by coaches would also be broken down.

- Less players on a team also means a smaller squad, which would spread talent out to the new expansion clubs set to join the NRL.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE



There’s always going to be resistance to change, when change comes in the form of a some fairly radical rule overhauls.

After my discussions with experts in the game, I also am not saying these are the perfect and definitive ways to make rugby league a better game.

But the conversation surrounding it needs to start.

Clubs will likely resist such changes, especially those who are finding success in the current system.

There’s likely also going to be short-term concerns as teams, clubs and coaches get used to the new face of rugby league.

But to fully make the NRL the most appealing product, the short-term benefits of it’s current trajectory and landscape need to be forgotten about, to prioritise the long term future of rugby league.


These changes could also serve to enhance the safety of women’s and junior rugby league competition, in turn boosting participation rates.

Lower injury rates mean great longevity for players, and more enjoyment of fans as they follow their favourite teams and stars.

Overall, I believe we these changes can polish what is, at its core, the best sport in the world.


This is from here not my opinion.

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Kav1]

SO HOW DO WE FIX IT?



Here are my proposed solutions, and it begins with adjustments to rugby league game play:

- Reduce interchanges to only six per game to increase game continuity.

- Penalties must be taken on the spot — no kicking or choice of location.

- No more scrums and instead a handover takes place.

- No six-agains inside your own half, with penalties awarded instead.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

That would mean more spontaneous football, more one-on-one tackles and more fatigue, and in turn less gang tackling.

This change would also increase the role of smaller, creative players who have become somewhat obsolete in the modern game.


I also believe the influence of kicking on a contest needs to be dampened.

As it stands, if you win the kicking battle, you win the game.

Look at the Panthers success. It’s no surprise they have Nathan Cleary, arguably the most skilled kicker in the game leading them around the field.


With kicking having such a big influence on contests, the importance of running the ball and breaking a line is reduced.


The importance of kicking has also impacted the talent pool of playmakers.

Halfbacks need to be able to kick, whereas in the past their running game could be their best asset.

If you don’t have a massive boot, you can’t be an elite half.

In years gone by, when the game flowed more, the depth in the halves position was immense compared to how it sits in the modern game.

Think back to the 2000s, you had Craig Gower, Brett Kimmorley, Scott Prince, Benji Marshall, Jamie Soward, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Matty Johns, Darren Lockyer.

That style of playmaker isn’t on brand anymore, specifically because of the importance of kicking.

So here are some changes I’d make:

- The kick-off after a try, the kicking team restarts and that kick must go 20 metres or a penalty is blown.

- Line drop outs must go 20 metres, or a penalty is blown.

- Scrap the 40/20 and other rewards for kicks, stemming the flow of possession.


- Tries scored off kicks are only worth three points.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

Meanwhile, the way in which our game is refereed needs reassessed, by everyone, including fans. Our game’s officials are expected to be robots.

They can’t get everything right, that’s not reality. By slowing each decision down, we are slowing the game down. Too many stoppages occur because of refereeing decisions.

Therefore, I believe the following should be implemented:

- More ‘play on’ calls for 50/50 knock ons, play-the-balls and line forward passes.

- Reduce the influence of the Bunker and enforce rules consistently throughout a whole season.

- Crack down on deliberate rule breaking and teams who consistently flaunt the line, especially when it comes to the play-the-ball and early tackle offsides.

- More sin bins for repeat offenders.

- Stop the influence of captains in slowing down calls that could influence the result of a contest.

- Bunker decisions will be limited to one minute max, otherwise they follow the on-field ruling should a decision not be made.

In what could be a radical change, I also believe we should have only 12 players on the field, not 13.

There’s ongoing discussion in rugby union regarding whether they should drop from their traditional 15-man game, while I believe rugby league could benefit from a similar move.


The lock position is the obvious one to go, meaning there’s no influence on the left and right defensive lines, only opening up the middle of the park.

By dropping to 12 players on the field, the influences would be:

- A more open field for players to be creative, which in turn creates faster and more exciting game play.


- The robotic structures implemented by coaches would also be broken down.

- Less players on a team also means a smaller squad, which would spread talent out to the new expansion clubs set to join the NRL.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE



There’s always going to be resistance to change, when change comes in the form of a some fairly radical rule overhauls.

After my discussions with experts in the game, I also am not saying these are the perfect and definitive ways to make rugby league a better game.

But the conversation surrounding it needs to start.

Clubs will likely resist such changes, especially those who are finding success in the current system.

There’s likely also going to be short-term concerns as teams, clubs and coaches get used to the new face of rugby league.

But to fully make the NRL the most appealing product, the short-term benefits of it’s current trajectory and landscape need to be forgotten about, to prioritise the long term future of rugby league.


These changes could also serve to enhance the safety of women’s and junior rugby league competition, in turn boosting participation rates.

Lower injury rates mean great longevity for players, and more enjoyment of fans as they follow their favourite teams and stars.

Overall, I believe we these changes can polish what is, at its core, the best sport in the world.


This is from here not my opinion.

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

www.foxsports.com.au

I agree with the change to a 12 man team with 4 on the bench. I would also like the team scoring points to kick off to resume play.(to avoid momentum which favours the scoring team). I'm also not in favour of a penalty on half way for a kick off that goes over the dead ball line on the full (I think that gives the defender an unfair advantage for what is a minor infringement.

 

[Evil_Mush]

Mentioned this earlier in the year, but with all the games affected by multiple in-game injuries (most recently the Broncos hammy-gate!), I reckon the 18th man should be allowed to be enacted for any injury regardless of how it occurred.

The only rule I'd have around it is that the person being subbed out cannot return for the rest of the game and maybe a mandatory week off the following week (for the 'health' of the player, even if it turns out they didn't need more than a week off from a medical clearance POV, also to disincentivise coaches using it as a 'free' interchange so much).


Otherwise, six-agains and bunker rulings definitely needs some tweaking. Don't know how but the current inconsistency with comparable situations never seeming to be adjudicated the same way (even in the same games) is probably the most frustrating part of watching games these days.

 

[Ref]

They have artificially tried to speed up the game and it is failing.

Get rid of the six agains.
It’s a referee cop out.
It’s a penalty or play on.

No more 7 tackle sets for the 20 metre restart and the defensive team should be given 30 seconds to get back to defend.

No slow motion replay for the bunker and to overrule the referee has to be obvious not 50/50

Stripping in the tackle only allowed in a one on one tackle.

Scrums back 20 metres in, not where you want.

If a referee is unsighted if a ball was lost or stripped in a tackle just have a play the ball.

Forward passes reviewed with a straight line on the screen.
I’m happy to let 50/50s go but there are so many shockers not called.

No intentional lifting of the tackled player.

If a player is injured by intentional foul play and goes off the offender cant return, until the injured player can return.
If the injured player is ruled out for x amount of weeks, the offender sits it out too.

Get rid of the rule where you can put your foot on the line from a kick off making the ball dead or out.

In the challenge for a contestable kick there are no knock ons unless there is intent to knock it forward.

No 40/20s
No 2 point drop goal.

Two referees.
One marking the ten.
The other calling the shots closer to the ruck.

Must use the foot to play the ball.

Referees to control the ruck but not tell players if they are off side, have left early, are not square at marker etc.

No passing the ball behind any player who is running towards the defence line as a dummy runner.

If it is full time play out the set unless there is an error, change of possession or the ball goes out.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Better not confuse myself and apply these rules tomorrow.

 

[Canonball]

SO HOW DO WE FIX IT?



Here are my proposed solutions, and it begins with adjustments to rugby league game play:

- Reduce interchanges to only six per game to increase game continuity.

- Penalties must be taken on the spot — no kicking or choice of location.

- No more scrums and instead a handover takes place.

- No six-agains inside your own half, with penalties awarded instead.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

That would mean more spontaneous football, more one-on-one tackles and more fatigue, and in turn less gang tackling.

This change would also increase the role of smaller, creative players who have become somewhat obsolete in the modern game.


I also believe the influence of kicking on a contest needs to be dampened.

As it stands, if you win the kicking battle, you win the game.

Look at the Panthers success. It’s no surprise they have Nathan Cleary, arguably the most skilled kicker in the game leading them around the field.


With kicking having such a big influence on contests, the importance of running the ball and breaking a line is reduced.


The importance of kicking has also impacted the talent pool of playmakers.

Halfbacks need to be able to kick, whereas in the past their running game could be their best asset.

If you don’t have a massive boot, you can’t be an elite half.

In years gone by, when the game flowed more, the depth in the halves position was immense compared to how it sits in the modern game.

Think back to the 2000s, you had Craig Gower, Brett Kimmorley, Scott Prince, Benji Marshall, Jamie Soward, Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns, Matty Johns, Darren Lockyer.

That style of playmaker isn’t on brand anymore, specifically because of the importance of kicking.

So here are some changes I’d make:

- The kick-off after a try, the kicking team restarts and that kick must go 20 metres or a penalty is blown.

- Line drop outs must go 20 metres, or a penalty is blown.

- Scrap the 40/20 and other rewards for kicks, stemming the flow of possession.


- Tries scored off kicks are only worth three points.

- Sin bins for third repeat deliberate penalties that occur within the same set.

Meanwhile, the way in which our game is refereed needs reassessed, by everyone, including fans. Our game’s officials are expected to be robots.

They can’t get everything right, that’s not reality. By slowing each decision down, we are slowing the game down. Too many stoppages occur because of refereeing decisions.

Therefore, I believe the following should be implemented:

- More ‘play on’ calls for 50/50 knock ons, play-the-balls and line forward passes.

- Reduce the influence of the Bunker and enforce rules consistently throughout a whole season.

- Crack down on deliberate rule breaking and teams who consistently flaunt the line, especially when it comes to the play-the-ball and early tackle offsides.

- More sin bins for repeat offenders.

- Stop the influence of captains in slowing down calls that could influence the result of a contest.

- Bunker decisions will be limited to one minute max, otherwise they follow the on-field ruling should a decision not be made.

In what could be a radical change, I also believe we should have only 12 players on the field, not 13.

There’s ongoing discussion in rugby union regarding whether they should drop from their traditional 15-man game, while I believe rugby league could benefit from a similar move.


The lock position is the obvious one to go, meaning there’s no influence on the left and right defensive lines, only opening up the middle of the park.

By dropping to 12 players on the field, the influences would be:

- A more open field for players to be creative, which in turn creates faster and more exciting game play.


- The robotic structures implemented by coaches would also be broken down.

- Less players on a team also means a smaller squad, which would spread talent out to the new expansion clubs set to join the NRL.

RESISTANCE TO CHANGE



There’s always going to be resistance to change, when change comes in the form of a some fairly radical rule overhauls.

After my discussions with experts in the game, I also am not saying these are the perfect and definitive ways to make rugby league a better game.

But the conversation surrounding it needs to start.

Clubs will likely resist such changes, especially those who are finding success in the current system.

There’s likely also going to be short-term concerns as teams, clubs and coaches get used to the new face of rugby league.

But to fully make the NRL the most appealing product, the short-term benefits of it’s current trajectory and landscape need to be forgotten about, to prioritise the long term future of rugby league.


These changes could also serve to enhance the safety of women’s and junior rugby league competition, in turn boosting participation rates.

Lower injury rates mean great longevity for players, and more enjoyment of fans as they follow their favourite teams and stars.

Overall, I believe we these changes can polish what is, at its core, the best sport in the world.


This is from here not my opinion.

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

Reduced teams, three-point kick tries: Radical changes to revamp NRL — McKinnon

www.foxsports.com.au

Some of this is solutions looking for an issue imo... and smells a little of nostalgia for a supposedly better more entertaining game of the 80s and 90s... I defy anyone to honestly compare the modern 'product' and say it comes up short against particularly the 80s version of the game. Why would you want to mitigate modern shape in both defence and attack? It's a really beautiful part of what we have now, combining good lines and speed is great to watch as is a well organised defence. I get where they're coming from with the kicking but disagree, I think the mix it has currently with ball in hand is really well balanced - I do like the suggestion from Ref about not having knock ons from kick contests unless it's 'intentional' ... that makes those situations better competitions. Biggest issue with the game are those interpretation scenarios, 6 against etc. (though not completely against repeat sets myself)

 

[3rdstriker]

Compared to super rugby and most other comps the Nrl is a good brand, apart from micro management from refs and inconsistencies its good.
But I would shorten the season and fully promote the international game which is suffering have a tri series while Origin is on with Samoa nz and Tonga.

 

[regenerated borg]

Back off on tv entertainment ratings to start with, games too fast causing unnecessary injuries... a lot of these blokes will be cripples by 40..
Bring in 20 teams... run the comp like NFL conferences and reduce the regular season games.. and as others said promote the International game..

 

[Beastmode]

Need to stop that 3rd man coming in for the legs …