NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Superstar recruit Kieran Foran hopes Tim Mannah remains as Parramatta captain.
Foran has been linked to the role after his NRL off season move from Manly, but the Kiwi international believes Mannah deserves to hold onto the job.
“I think Timmy has done a great job over the years, he has been a tremendous leader and I have got no doubt Timmy will take the reins again,” Foran said.
“My role at the moment is just to fit in here, I want to get to know everyone and go from there.”
However, given the increasing prevalence of co-captains in the NRL, Eels coach Brad Arthur could have a bet each way and install both Mannah and Foran as skippers for next season.
Mannah took over the sole captaincy last season after Jarryd Hayne’s move to the NFL and said he would like to stay as a leader of the club.
“It is a huge honour but I don’t think that is a decision for me, that is Brad’s call,” Mannah said.
“It is definitely a role I have grown to enjoy but I will never let my personal preference interfere with the team.
“The captaincy is something I am still learning about but I am not going to add any more pressure on the coaches.
“They have enough on their plate, they don’t need any more voices chiming in saying what they should and shouldn’t do.”
Mannah said the addition of Foran as a senior figure at the club was a huge boost.
“The more leaders you have in the team the better and I think the team is starting to grow and grow,” he said.
“The culture here at the moment is really healthy and it is definitely moving in the right direction.”
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Penrith are on the board for 2024 with a 26-18 win over rivals Parramatta, thanks in no small part to a barnstorming performance from…
The Dally M Medal is a controversial award, as evidenced in Round 1.
Bryce Cartwright has enjoyed a turbulent time in first grade to say the least - but now, as he enters his tenth year in…
It was a case of new season, same issues at Commbank Stadium as Parramatta's pack steamrollered the Bulldogs, who saw Josh Addo-Carr leave the…
Contesting the ball lies at the heart of rugby league and the new kick re-start rule.