NRL to experiment rule changes in Round 20 dead rubbers

[League Unlimited News]

The Australian Rugby League Commission has today approved a number of experimental rule changes to be trialled in two matches during the final round of the Telstra Premiership.

The Commission has approved the following experimental rules to be trialled in the Brisbane Broncos v North Queensland Cowboys game on Thursday night and the New Zealand Warriors v Manly Sea Eagles game on Sunday afternoon. Neither match will have an impact on the Top 8.

• Use of the “Six Again” rule for 10 metre infringements.
• Handover for kicks into touch rather than a scrum.
• Nominated Forwards only in the scrum.
• Change in Bunker referral process to reduce stoppages.

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the decision to trial experimental rules provided a practical opportunity for the Commission to test the impact such rules would have on matches in the future.

“The Commission’s focus is to ensure our games are as entertaining and free flowing as possible for our fans. Like we have in previous seasons, we will use games which will have no impact on the top eight to test the potential rule changes. We will obviously also take on board feedback from the players and clubs involved and report back to the Commission during the off-season,’’ he said.

“We are a sports entertainment business. It is important to continuously test innovative ideas, aimed at a better fan experience. This weekend is a great opportunity to test the practical application of some of the refinements which have been raised during the year.”

Mr Abdo said the Commission had listened to strong feedback from fans and clubs about issues relating to scrums and the Bunker this season.

“It is clear the current process around scrums and the Bunker could potentially be better. We are also looking at ways in which we can reduce stoppages without compromising the accuracy of the Bunker.”

Mr Abdo said all rules would be reviewed by NRL management for consideration by the Commission at the end of the season.

https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/09/22/experimental-rules-to-be-trialled-in-round-20/

 

[King hit]

Except for the 6 again for not being back 10 meters I really like these changes. The scrum is completely useless in todays age. Either make them contested or don't do them at all. They say they still exist for set plays but when you have backs packing in it kind of renders that point mute in a way.

 

[This Year?]

I don't think they should be experimenting with any rules in what is arguably the most historic game of the NRL era.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

What about the the T Goon topball rules?

 

[some11]

6 again for 10m infringement is a biggie.

It's the most blown penalty in the game. Can only hope the broncos are offside a lot this week.

 

[Captain Apollo]

Handovers instead of scrums for kicks into touch? May as well do away with set plays then, as most set plays are usually run at scrums. Further this might speed the game up too much increasing the chances of injury (as whilst increased fatigue can create weaker defence, it also has a correlation to increased risk of injury). The players are not machines.

 

[shear_joy9]

cowboys score in the last minute to beat the broncos and secure them the spoon; while the world is celebrating this joyous occasion the video ref interrupts and rules no try due to a mystery obstruction.

I can f**king see it now

 

[Vee]

Reduce time for scrums and line dropouts by 10-15 seconds.

 

[some11]

Handovers instead of scrums for kicks into touch? May as well do away with set plays then, as most set plays are usually run at scrums. Further this might speed the game up too much increasing the chances of injury (as whilst increased fatigue can create weaker defence, it also has a correlation to increased risk of injury). The players are not machines.

Excellent point.

 

[dogslife]

Broncos allowed their 4 interchange players on the field at all times to avoid a PR disaster?

 

[Marshall_magic]

Bunker looking at tries while a conversion is set up is okay I guess, but if a conversion is taken quickly it could be problematic. I don’t understand what the problem is with the bunker doing everything they can to get the decision right. Making rules which makes it harder is just undercutting it’s use.

The forwards only scrum is idiotic.

 

[TheVelourFog]

lol trialling rule changes in a proper round of a compeitive sport

amature hour for the millionth time with these clowns

 

[franklin2323]

lol trialling rule changes in a proper round of a compeitive sport

amature hour for the millionth time with these clowns

When else do you trial it? No lower grades to do it in

I like them in theory I guess see how it plays out

 

[TheVelourFog]

When else do you trial it? No lower grades to do it in

I like them in theory I guess see how it plays out

err....trial matches

 

[Perth Red]

Yeh we have topball for the end of the season.
SL has been running the no scrum rule this season and worked quite well. Six again for offside will be interesting as you are losing a lot of field advantage not getting a penalty to kick for touch, forwards in the pack wtf?
I dont even know what they mean by the bunker comment. Are they going to the bunker less? not at all? want the bunker to be quicker in making decisions?

 

[Canard]

The forwards only rule is a boon for jerseys makers, as you will need a certain colour or patch to delinate them(ala Goalkeepers in Soccer)

But seriously good idea in theory, but want teams just name backs in the forwards on their team sheets to get around this?

 

[Coastbloke]

Here we go again. Who runs this f***ing sport..??

 

[Perth Red]

Here we go again. Who runs this f***ing sport..??

 

[Captain Apollo]

Here we go again. Who runs this f***ing sport..??

The media.

 

[King hit]

View attachment 42195

The man who restarted my he whole comp on his own. Putting eggs on your beloved AFL’s faces