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Citius, altius, fortius (faster, higher, stronger). The Olympic motto, but also a motto that could easily be applied to the modern-day NRL competition.
It seems that ever since the only try-less grand final back in 1986, rugby league has strived to ensure that it never happens again. A raft of rule changes and counter rule changes to make the game open and allow it to flow have been a continual work in progress.
Naturally, the modus operandi of players and coaches throughout has been (and always will be) to keep the game at a pace comfortable for themselves, while the rule-makers will try to keep it exciting.
When Benji Marshall bucked the trend and took a quick tap from a penalty in March 2013, it provided a lightbulb moment to bring that into the game permanently. In 2014, there are more opportunities for it to happen than ever, but is it working?
On Friday night in front of 30,394 fans at ANZ Stadium, one of those rule changes back fired like a 1976 TX Gemini in the match between Parramatta and Cronulla. It managed to see the spotlight taken off any player or referee error for a change.
Instead the match was supposedly decided by the actions of a ball boy.
After a brilliant 40/20 from Chris Sandow that appeared to have put his team back in the match, an attempted quick tap (and possible try) was called back because the ball boy had passed the ball in and not placed it on the ground.
Parramatta still had their chance to win from the ensuing set of six against a set defensive line and failed, but by that time controversy had stolen the spotlight yet again.
Is it a flawed situation? There is nothing to stop an opposition ball boy doing the opposite and taking extra time to get the ball back into play as well, even if he does place it on the ground.
The rugby league illuminati offered up alternatives such as having a ball there just for 40/20 kicks, but is that the only issue?
Ballboygate aside, the quick tap rule in 2014, from both penalties and 40/20s, has made about as much sense as someone urinating in their own mouth. This week one situation will be allowed, the next it will be called back.
Maybe the NRL needs to admit the quick tap rule has been about as successful as the Illawarra Steelers’ signing of Steve Rogers in 1986. Maybe there is enough advantage from getting possession from a scrum after a 40/20 or a taking a set tap after a penalty. If nothing else, there is a lot less room for confusion.
It could well be time to look at other measures to speed the game up or make it more entertaining. Two that spring to mind could be a reduction in the number of interchanges or a concerted effort to speed up the rucks.
If we genuinely want the game to be a better product, there is certainly no shame in admitting something has not worked and looking for other options.
Follow Rob Sheeley on Twitter – @robshots
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