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?
Opinion
With St George Illawarra winger Jordan Pereira being slapped with a grade-three careless high tackle charge on Titans fullback Corey Thompson, Jason Saab has a chance to show if he lives up to the hype in first grade.
Even with a early guilty plea, the charge carries a two-match suspension. Should the Dragons roll the dice and fight the charge, they would be risking a three-match suspension if Pereira is found guilty.
Pereira a strong runner of the ball, particularly from kick returns.
He averages 168 run metres per game but he certainly can not be called a prolific try-scorer with a meagre return of only nine tries from 26 appearances.
He’s also had some struggles under the high ball. His height of 182 centimetres means he can be out-jumped by taller wingers.
Jason Saab, on the other hand, is one of the most exciting prospects in the NRL.
At 19 years old, he towers at 199 centimetres and weighs in at 101 kilograms. In three appearances in 2019, he scored three tries, including a double on debut.
It’s been widely reported that Saab has been very frustrated with the lack of opportunities given to him by Paul McGregor and has twice asked for an immediate release.
This comes after Saab signed a three-year contract extension last year, meaning he’s contracted to Saints until the end of 2022.
Saab’s non-selection during 2020 has been a mystery to many, particularly when you consider what a 199-centimetre outside threat would be for a team that’s struggled to score points.
Pereira’s suspension will now force Paul McGregor to give Jason Saab a chance and then it’ll be up to Saab to make the position his own.
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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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