The recommencement of the NRL season saw the introduction of the new set-restart rule giving teams a fresh set of six for ruck infringements as opposed to the traditional kick-for-touch penalty.
And after one round of its introduction, it was a masterstroke.
The six-again rule set out to change the game for the better and the positives very much outweigh the negatives. Therefore a breakdown of this rule, its dynamics and the impact it will have for the game’s future is imperative.
After eight games, we saw the ball in play more often, which produced a faster and more fluent flow of the game. The single referee, which was another masterstroke alteration, now blows fewer penalties, meaning less stoppages, keeping fans very engaged.
(Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Fatigue became a clear factor as a result of consistent play and a more exciting brand of rugby league was apparent. Teams realised quickly that they would face the consequence of dealing with repeat sets without any stoppages if they infringed in the ruck, which meant they had to adjust given there was no choice but to focus less energy on slowing down the ruck.
A subsequent result of this adjustment meant the attacking side now had more space to play with what was in front of them, giving them the opportunity for more ad-lib and creative footy – another significant positive for the on-field product.
Mainly, the NRL set out to eradicate the wrestle in the game and the six-again rule has accomplished that mission already. Less group tackles slowing the game down created better viewing for the fan, lowering our frustration levels when players would get worked over in the ruck and have three to four players peel off one by one with the rest of the defensive line set for the next hit-up.
Because this isn’t the case anymore, attacking sides were able to use the ball better across the park rather than the robotic sets of five hit-ups and a kick we usually got. Forwards became tired a lot quicker, which effectively brought the outside backs into the mix. Many voiced concern for the deterioration of the smaller player in the game, and this rule change swiftly proved their importance and how much of an impact they can make when fatigue is a factor.
It was plain to see how intense games were. The six-again rule change was so refreshing it created the intensity and pace of a State of Origin match. The quality may not have been as great as Origin, due in part to the mistakes being made towards the back end of each game as a result of heightened fatigue levels, but the product has improved substantially.
This may satisfy rusten-on fans and convert new ones, because after all, the fans are the main stakeholder. The new rule has satisfied both the purists and casuals with its continuous game play and has already given us moments that have wowed us.
The six-again rule has been received with critical acclaim by the rugby league world, giving us a very unfamiliar feeling surrounding the game at the moment: the feeling of genuine positivity.
(Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
It remains to be seen if the grey areas of this significant rule change will hinder another aspect of the game, but I am more optimistic now that I have seen it in action.
At the moment, all I can foresee is the six-again rule being partnered with the shot clock and limited stoppages will enhance the importance of the captain’s challenge for both the players and the referee as it could prove to be a vital breather for them.
Teams need to adjust to the new rule after 67 days off from the COVID-19 pause, so towards the back end of the season we will have a much better indication of the impact it will have on the game. On that note, the NRL will need to weigh up if dropping the interchange from eight to six will benefit the game further or if it will gas teams out so much that the product suffers as a result, such as more mistakes.
NRL clubs will also up the ante in their fitness programs, and aggressively scour the market for the fittest players on the planet, especially in their forward packs.
Overall as a game, from the grassroots up, this rule change serves as an initiative for smaller players to take the game up and boost participation numbers up across the country.
Ultimately, the six-again set restart rule gets a solid nine out of ten mark for the betterment of the greatest game of all and I am happy to see it is here to stay for the long haul.
BustlingBillDunn
Roar Rookie
Six again is not stopping gang tackles. The tackle laws haven't changed. The Roosters put 3 & 4 in tackles and train to slow down the tackle by getting the tackled player to the turf as slowly as possible. They are not being six again-ed for these slowdown tactics because the slowdown take place before the tackled player hits the ground. The teams that don't gang tackle against teams like the roosters are the one's six again-ed as they try and slow down Roosters surrender tackles. The surrender tackle is what lets teams like the Storm & Roosters march up field without defenses having time to reset the line, and six-again is making it worse, not better. Just look at what happened to the Broncos tonight. The game was over in 15 minutes thanks to this stupid rule.
Womblat
Guest
Yeah fair enough on both this point and DJ below. I just don't want the ref becoming a major figure beyond what they are, especially now there's only one to point a finger at. I'm prepared to give it a fair shake, and it seems to be off to a good start, so lets see how the sport evolves to suit. Chat again in 10.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good point TB3 Ignoring rules to improve ‘the flow’ created this problem in the first place
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah - that’s what happened around SL when it got too fast. Literally five dummy half runs per set. It was dire
Daniel John
Roar Pro
It’ll be interesting to see how loud they’ll make that ‘set restart olympic pool/horse racing noise’ with crowds roaring in the background. The general consensus here is that the 10m needs to be consistent, and rightfully so.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Fully agree with 1v1 tackles reverting to ‘dominant’ tackles. The strip rule is an odd one, because some argue that it should be a free for all like union - sterlo is a massive advocate for stripping at any time, blaming player’s poor ball security - end of the day it is just another grey rule for league
Chris Love
Roar Guru
I think the 6 again rule, as it was applied overall on the weekend is a winner. As long as the refs can find some consistency on what is too long in the ruck I hope this stays. The problem will be as always, different refs on different days policing it differently to the frustration of players and fans. The single ref change I am not sold on. I don’t think the 10 metre rule was policed very well on the weekend and because we don’t have thousands of booing fans, and cameras intentionally not showing those shots, it’s hard to make a judgement. I think once 30-45k fans are at the game it could change that angle of it. I’d be set in stone on one ref if the touchies had more involvement in policing the 10m like the old days. Have them mic’d up to the ref and have them constantly in his ear on the 10m (and hard to see ruck play) and I think 1 ref will be the answer.
Steve
Guest
Although I like the rule it seemed to me that in some of the games the referee started out policing it but as the game wore on kind of forgot about it. The Roosters got pinged once early on which almost resulted in a try....but by the second half Klein had basically given up and the Roosters were back to wrestling. The refs need to be consistent throughout the entire 80 minutes not just for the first 20.
TIGER
Roar Rookie
No doubt a success, so far. The players co-operated, for the most part, which didn't turn it into a penalty fest, 'a la the on line penalty experiment'. No doubt though coaches are working out how to manipulate it to their advantage. Lots of comments about 'fatigue' and more attack but every player is still way short of match fitness, so round one over, bring it on.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
So far (1 round) it has made a difference. On a positive side, there were less players in a tackle and some teams seemed to tackle low first. On the negative, the 10m was very loose. Will be interesting to see how coaches and players adapt in coming weeks.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Understandable. Consistency is key here and that’s what everyone wants to see. The general feel here is positivity, and although some fans are still apprehensive it’s safe to say after one round that the media have taken their foot of the bag-the-ref throttle
Tim Buck 3
Roar Rookie
Yes players will adjust to the new speed and exploiting a tiring defence is not a bad thing but there is still the preference to go for the try rather than kick for goal. This is the same reason tries were changed to four points, to encourage teams to not waste time kicking for goal. This means a strong defence will never be penalised as they will be happy to continuously repel an attack as it saves points. The proof of this is the inevitable bomb on the last tackle. The bomb should be discouraged by rule changes as I have offered before as it is a lucky dip reward for failure to score in the first five.
Paul
Roar Guru
I'm optimistic Daniel, but the jury's still out on two counts. The first is whether the coaches scheme up ways to rort this. We've seen rules changes in the past that have been well intentioned but have been gamed by coaches, eg the one-on-one stripping rule. The other cause for concern is the same with any rule; consistency of application by referees. Ashley Klein showed how not to apply it while I thought there were some soft interpretations as well as some inconsistent applications. Hopefully the refs will study the tape and get more accurate and consistent application of this rule in the coming rounds. As it stands though, it certainly looks like a keeper in it's current form.
Rob
Guest
I always believed a simple 6 more would go a long way to stopping the wrestle and over coaching of slowing down the ruck. I thought we saw a more entertaining game and teams that moved the ball and offloaded certainly benefited IMO. The one thing I'd love to see is good low 1 on 1 tackles being rewarded as dominant. I'm not really keen about the strip with players letting go as one player is getting around the ball. It's unfair to have 3 players on you and then 1 attacking the ball then suddenly you are released. A player should be called held once his momentum is stopped and can't pass? There has been a lot of stripping that breaks the held rule. I did notice some late hits being let go with players attacking the legs and high also. You can give the benefit to player wrapping and taking a player down but dangerous cheap shots are going to put good players at serious risk when the game needs as many skilled players on the paddock as possible under the current circumstances. Don't mind the 1 ref but the touch judges need to be helping on the line speed jumping early. It was a great week having the games back on.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Not so sure about that Daniel ? I think plenty of Panthers supporters might have noted that their team was the only team in the 16 teams over the weekend not to receive a single 6 again restart yesterday ? Probably wouldn't have mattered as they had plenty of opportunities already wasted, but interpretation of the rules is still with this one referee and consistency is still the main issue for fans. The Knights were far from perfect in the rucks yet remained untouched by the official ?
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Fewer penalties but more set restarts. I believe this rule is designed for more creative attack, but i do agree that noone wants to see a plethora of tries on the back of over fatigue. But again, teams will adjust over the season and adapt to the new speed of the game.
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Womblat, i linked a prev article i wrote to this article explaining the domino effect rule changes have on other rules. I agree that it will take time to see this rule change bear fruit/show its true colours. No doubt it will be explored to be flouted by teams https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/05/14/nrls-third-law-for-every-action-there-is-an-equal-or-opposite-reaction/
Daniel John
Roar Pro
Taking control of the 10m and eradicating the wrestle can be adjudicated with consistency more so now with one ref - fingers crossed we see all this over the courseof the season
Daniel John
Roar Pro
DTH, Always a worry in the back of my mind because ppl tend to try to find the negative over the positive in NRL. Atm but, im thoroughly enjoying the aura of positivity surrounding our great game and hope it lasts a long long time
Daniel John
Roar Pro
That’s a good point Rellum, each game this week seemed to have something different. It was very refreshing.