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Rugby league will change another ten rules this season, reacting to what they see and then tinkering with something they have tinkered with numerous times previously. This is the way rugby league does things.
But before they do so, here are the top five ways to improve rugby league.
1. Get rid of golden point for normal round matches
In sport, sometimes nobody wins. You both had 80 minutes to win the match, and nobody did. The fans leave with an empty feeling, the players think about the field goal that just missed, or what they could have done differently to win.
But nobody won. Deal with it.
The extra point you were upset about missing out on in May might be the extra point that helps you in September.
2. Reduce the role of the video referee
Interference from the refs in the sky for put downs only. Let the referees make the calls on the field. If they make a mistake, deal with it. They aren’t trying to cheat, and relegate them to a lower grade if they are poor.
But accept the fact these guys are humans, and humans make mistakes.
3. Fewer matches at Homebush
Suburban football is rugby league. Forget about some nonsense vision of 50,000 people turning up to matches in soulless stadiums. It works in Melbourne but Sydney is about Brooky, Kogorah, Belmore, Parramatta Stadium, Penrith Park, and Shark Park – or whatever they call it these days.
Rugby league people love these grounds, corporates love the stadiums. Look after your fans.
4. Keep prices to big events reasonable
Nobody should pay through the roof for grand final and State of Origin matches. Keep it reasonable for families to have a great night out and not blow a hole in the budget.
5. Bring back the shoulder charge
When a big forward is running at you, you simply need to brace yourself for the collision. It’s not like rugby, where they don’t get up a full head of steam very often. Players need to protect themselves from the 115-kilogram monsters running 30 kilometres an hour straight in their direction. Otherwise you are the one getting injured.
Rugby league at its best is a fantastic spectacle. The 2015 grand final was a beauty, one of the best games you will ever see. However there are always ways to improve on what you have.
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