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I am a devoted rugby league follower and like many lovers of this great game am totally mystified who is running it.
The inconsistency is driving people from the game. The constant changes do not help but it’s the application of these rules that is the most confusing.
The powerbrokers have diluted any accountability by having so many officials that no one holds the can for poor performance.
Who makes the final call on rulings? After 2013, the league adopted a new system to end the tedious situation where the video referee would look at tries ad nauseam to find any reason to deny a try.
This new rule would give the benefit of doubt to the attacking team. But to dilute the issue we now have the referee signal try or no try after checking with the pocket referee and two touch judges.
This decision unfairly prejudices the video referee to make any unencumbered and impartial decision. Who is responsible? Is it the pocket ref, the main ref, the touch judges, the video refs?
The try should be awarded and if he thinks it was not a try deny the try. Quite simple. If it’s the hand of god, a blatant forward pass or god forbid we can’t count to six – then overrule it.
The inconsistency of applications of the rules totally drives people insane. We outlaw the shoulder charge due to concerns over head injuries. Ok, but have you seen a defensive line rush a one out runner and literally smash him dead stop like hitting a brick wall?
Head clashes resulting in concussions, head wounds and the brutality of gang tackles are more dangerous due to their regularity than occasional shoulder charges.
If the player does a shoulder charge – a low percentage risky play if one misses – and makes contact with the head, then charge him and rub him out.
Rules have to evolve with the sheer speed of the game but not to the detriment of the very essence that makes it so great.
The pinnacle of our game, State of Origin, has the rule book tossed out – it becomes open slather. Cheap shots, elbows, forearms and grub tactics all condoned and glorified for the sake of winning.
We have farcical judicial decisions following the same Origin ethos – it’s origin mate, no worries wink wink.
They clamp down on lifting tackles then let it go, we penalise players attacking kickers in mid-air then we don’t. We outlaw punching by making it a mandatory sin bin (10 minutes) but a swinging arm which poleaxes a player, concusses him, fractures his jaw or eye socket is deemed ok and the assailant is only put on report.
We have players niggling, knowing no-one will do a thing. How about a five minute sin bin for repeated offenses to cool a player down? Ten minutes in today’s game (often at least two tries are scored) is too much of a penalty for professional infringements.
The coach I am sure will have a little chat to him.
Another thing when the kicker is kicking a conversion, just stop the clock. It is not general play so allow more general play.
The constant stoppages and time wasting is ridiculous. Ticket pricing, food and beverage prices are unreasonable and deny the blue-collar workers and families the opportunity to attend our great game.
Can State of Origin start any later? For the sake of our game, our kids want to watch the game we love but it keeps getting later. Has the world gone mad or is it just me?
We the people make this game. We the punters own this game. We are the audience that brings in millions for broadcasting rights. We the people want our great game back.
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