The NRL’s new six-again rule for ruck infringements will prompt teams to play through the middle and not spread to the edges, according to Cooper Cronk.
Cronk played halfback in the only match ever to feature the rule, as No.7 for the NRL All-Stars back in 2012.
Several clubs are believed to have gone in search of footage from that match in recent days since the NRL removed the penalty stoppage for ruck infringements.
And six-time premiership winner Cronk predicts the smart teams will send fast men through the middle to attack tiring forwards rather than playing wide.
“If you’re coming out of your own end on a kick return, and you get (a six-again), there is no real need to be adventurous to get ground position,” Cronk said on Fox League.
“Particularly if you get the added advantage of the six-again, why would you use the momentum you have created then go sideways?
“I would stay in the middle of the field and attack those big bodies.
“Get the likes of Jordan Rapana, James Tedesco and Tom Trbojevic (involved) who can use the football and be quick.
“They can get at the slower defenders who have had seven, eight or nine tackles to make.”
Cronk also expected playmakers to get the ball on the advantage line more at first receiver and use quick play-the-balls rather than sit behind big forwards.
Ruck indiscretions were responsible for just 5.1 penalties per match in 2019.
But the NRL are hopeful more will be picked up under the new rule, with the repercussions of a penalty not weighing on the referee.
Only teams who recommit offences will be penalised or have players sin-binned.
That should create faster play-the-balls, which have traditionally become slower under one referee in Test football.
Meanwhile, Manly coach Des Hasler said he believed some teams would still attempt to attack around the edges despite the new rule.
“It probably depends on what coaches feel they have at their disposal and what way it is going to benefit their side.
“At the end of the day, we shouldn’t get hung up on it. It’s there to protect and help the referee.
“I still think you will get to see some footy on the edges.”
Yoda
Guest
Didnt know there was rucks in league
Paul
Roar Guru
how many "c's" can one person get into one sentence? :stoked: :stoked:
Clanger McClunk
Roar Rookie
Cooper Cronk knows a lot more about footy tactics than me so I won't disregard what he says. If that becomes the way teams play, attacking the tiring big boppers, it could mean the end of man mountains in the centre field with coaches going for the more athletic type of forward like Cameron Murray. That bloke can run all day, a real endurance athlete.
kk
Roar Pro
At times, champion Cooper Cronk's creative condescensions can cause confusion.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Yeah, I don't think that is how teams should play it. Some teams might compress their defense so going wide more regularly is how I would go. Go up the middle if the space is there
Paul
Roar Guru
Cronk's clearly the expert but I'm not sure I see his point. Why would attacks change significantly with this new rule? For a start, there's no guarantee a) the defending side is going to give away a six again penalty and b) surely it depends where the penalty is given? There's also a key number in here. Only 5 and a bit penalties per match came from the ruck and I'm guessing the bulk of these came within 20 metres of the defending team's tryline. Most of the plays I see in that part of the field are up the middle type runs anyway.