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?
If the Parramatta Eels are found to have a case to answer for salary cap indiscretions, instead of handing out monetary fines, which don’t have a huge impact on a club, or deducting competition points, which can ruin a season for a club, why not get more creative?
The Eels signed Beau Scott and arguably the best centre in the game, Michael Jennings, after the cap drama began. Now they are a huge chance to push for a spot in the eight, even after a fine and threat of point deductions.
So why not punish clubs who break the rules by making them survive on the players they have, instead of allowing them to get better?
By banning a club from signing any new players for a set period, the NRL can ensure that the club truly feels the sting of breaching the cap without ruining the integrity of the comp.
By banning a club from signing any players for 12 months you could put a huge dent into their ability to be competitive.
A week after the Bulldogs were penalised by the NRL they went out and signed Andrew Ryan, a man who went on to captain them for years. If they weren’t allowed to sign him, would they still have won the 2003 grand final?
For all the punishments the Dogs received, they still won the comp two years later, with many of the same players from the team that breached the cap, plus Andrew Ryan.
I am not comparing the extent of the breach, but Parramatta have grown stronger even though they have had cap issues. Is this fair to the other 15 clubs?
For major breaches, such as the Storm, then strip the club of competition points and fine them heavily. For minor breaches a fine is sufficient. But for acts in between, putting a hold on a club’s ability to sign players could act as a true deterrent.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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