There are a lot of great skills on display in modern rugby league. Players are generally fitter, faster and stronger than ever before.
There are also some aspects of the game that you don’t (or rarely) see any more, either because of rule changes or the field position/low-risk formula style of rugby league these days.
Here are some parts of the game that I remember fondly and miss seeing today.
Tap moves
Once upon a time, long before they worried about completion rates, teams would often have exotic moves to use for some of their penalty taps. Parramatta had one known as ‘the wall’ in the 1980s, which had several variations.
Sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn’t, as the two clips show. However it was always entertaining.
Toe-pokers
In the days long before the kicking tee, when sand was what you used to set the ball in place, the toe-poke was the preferred goal-kicking style. The ball was paced at a 45-degree angle on the sand, the kicker went straight back about five or six steps, and then kicked the ball with the toe of their boot.
Although there were some great exponents of the toe-poke like Parramatta’s Mick Cronin, it eventually made way for the generally more accurate ‘around the corner’ style used in modern rugby league. The toe-poke style was great to watch though, as there was an ever-present risk of the old leather balls spraying off the side of the boot.
The mid-field chip and chase
Long before ‘field position’ became the mantra for the kicking game in rugby league, players like Canterbury’s Steve Mortimer and Manly’s Phil Blake were great exponents of the mid-field chip and chase. They often broke open opposition defences with this tactic.
Now you rarely see this done, with players who dare to try it likely to be crucified if the tactic doesn’t work and they turnover the ball near halfway.
Contested scrums
Although the modern hooker is a crucial member of ‘the spine’ in modern rugby league, they used to be valued primarily for their ability to win scrums.
Scrums are now largely uncontested, and have presumably only been kept because they open up the field. But back in the old days, they were fiercely contested, with props and hookers using a variety of tricks and tactics to win the ball for their team.
Markers striking for the ball
Old school rugby league was also slightly less predictable because a quick-thinking marker could win the ball back for his team by legally striking for it in the play the ball. Hookers like Steve Walters and Benny Elias were especially good at this, having honed their striking skills in contested scrums.
That rule was changed though and a marker can’t strike for the ball these days without conceding a penalty.
No interchange and only two reserves
In years gone by, there was no interchange in rugby league. Once you were replaced, that was the end of your match. Teams were only permitted two reserves, who were often required to have played at least half a game in reserve grade earlier that day. This enhanced the gladiatorial endurance factor of rugby league back then.
It was long before exercise bikes were ever seen on the sidelines.
Rugby league players today are full-time professional athletes and fitter than they were in the semi-professional era. That fact perhaps makes the interchange concept unnecessary when you think about it.
What do you think? Are there other things that used to be a part of rugby league that you miss in today’s game?
rivers30
Guest
I don't agree: http://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2016/06/brexit-political-awakening-young-people/
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Things you don't see in modern rugby league? Annandale, Cumberland, Sydney University, Glebe... Oh wait, I think Glebe is coming back next year.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Dead Set Legends was a good idea, but consisted of three idiots spending a couple of hours shouting at each other. If the new show is just AFL (like they cut off NRL games to go to the Swans games) then it will be reflected in the ratings. But judging by the Grill Team, ratings don't seem important at Triple M
Norad
Guest
After 20 years MMM Sydney axes its Saturday morning NRL loaded Dead Set Legends show in favour of a 'national' sports show. We all know that means it will be based in Melbourne and pump AFL for 99.9% of the time.
BigJ
Roar Guru
I read that artilce and loved it, I agree that the players need to let a bit of biff go to keep the game interesting.
John Coomer
Roar Guru
I was going to mention that BigJ, but I already wrote an article specifically about that a month or so ago. A link to it is below. http://www.theroar.com.au/2016/10/24/the-all-in-brawls-of-yesteryear/ I agree it's not a good look in the game seeing grown men pushing and shoving each other. At least Sam Burgess threw one in the Test match last week to get Klemmer out of his face, and it was good to see that he wasn't sin binned. A lot of the niggle in the game today would be avoided if players were able to throw a punch every now and again.
BigJ
Roar Guru
John, you forgot the most importnt thing that the modern players do not anymore, PUNCH UPS nothing is worse than watching grow men your are big enough to knock over a barn go handbbgs at ten because they are not allowed to punch on anymore. Its like my ten year old tells me that she is not allowed to punch someone if they are e being meam to her. Bugger that break their teeth. Let the men punch on and BRING BACK THE BIFF!!!!!!!!!!
BigJ
Roar Guru
waste of time. cant win the game by kicking the ball.
BigJ
Roar Guru
your exactly right, the scrum needs to be done away with altogether or brought back to the days of the eighties and early nineties before Alfie Langer came along and buggered it all up.
bear54
Mike from Tari, when was the last time Smith stood between two props? Every scrum for Melbourne, Queensland or Australia he binds in at the lock position because they trust him to pick up the ball and pass to the second rower standing at 5/8. I used to advocate for scrums because it was an opportunity for backs V backs but its not even that anymore.
The Barry
Roar Guru
...one typo...
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
You just know he would . he just would... Hes a funny one aint he....
BigJ
Roar Guru
never has a truer word been spoken on this site they should make the barry proof reader. But dont worry he just trying to get the best from everybody.
BigJ
Roar Guru
that is distrubing squiddy, jez I make one typo and you blokes run away with it.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Geezuz krist , dunt make a spelin misstake on da raw.. Yool be kasteegated by da berry ..
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Black boots. At least Frizell is holding up the fort
The Spectator
Roar Guru
Ruling touch judges,
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Especially with reduced interchange and the plans to drop it down 2 more interchanges eventually
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Not before Jimmy delivers a well time low blow from behind with the ref distracted
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think the little man still exists. Milford, Barba, Hunt, Ash Taylor, Brooks, Moses, Mbye, Maloney, Sandow, Thurston, Moylan... The difference is that in the 80s and 90s and prior that these guys would have played at 70-75kg. Because of improvements in training and diet they're now playing at 85kg and higher.