This is just the most recent example of a game that has lost the plot. Even small and seemingly innocuous changes have taken the joy out of the game. I was an avid fan, going to games where Sharks weren't playing when I could because I genuinely loved the game. If it weren't for the Sharks, I wouldn't be following the game anymore to be honest.
Here is a small list of changes the game has made to make it less enjoyable (and yes, it's going beyond the MRC and Judiciary so probably slightly off topic):
- Inconsistent MRC and Judiciary rulings - Coote gets off touching referee charge, Frizzell doesn't. Thurston and Smith don't even get charged.
- Incomprehensible prioritisation of MRC - Brushing a referee is now on equal pegging as a swinging arm to the head of a player. These are both considered worse than tripping - even by a repeat offender. Don't you even dare shoulder charge (even without contact to the head) because you'll be sitting for a while.
- Lack of sin bins and send offs - Tripping, swinging arms, etc. were normally a send off offence, but now the game seems scared to do it. The game is grubbier now than in the 'bad old days'. But the game focuses on brushing a referee?
- Treating players like under 6s - They move off the mark, they get told to take it back even if it is due to them crawling forward. They pass the ball long after held is called, they get given the ball back to play it. These a professionals in this sport, and we treat them like they are new to the game.
- Video Ref/Bunker - Most people knew the Bunker wouldn't resolve the key issue, which was personnel adjudicating, not the room they were in. We've let the video referee get so involved that it slows the game, confuses fans about interpretations, and just takes the joy out of celebrating a try. Personally, I can deal with mistakes made by the onfield referee (yes, even if it were to cost a grand final), because the dynamics of the game isn't lost. History of our game is littered with Tales about the Grasshopper and Hartley being cheats, etc. but they are great characters of the game.
- Banning the shoulder charge - there was no need for this. Rugby League is a contact sport. There are risks. These risks are well known, and any further knowledge about the game should be passed onto players. The hysteria of potential lawsuits that lead to the banning of the shoulder charge was based on a poor understanding of the difference in US and Australian legal systems, and what the NFL was being sued for.
- Introduction of 'dominant' tackles - This just gave an excuse for players to lay in the ruck. The amount of times I see players make a tackle and then lay on top looking to the referee to see when they need to get off is ridiculous. Make the tackle, get up. Any extra work (i.e. grappling/wrestling), it's a penalty. Of course the more in the tackle, the longer it will take to get up - but if they are working to get up, it's not an issue)
- Two referees - has anyone noticed any benefit to this? One referee is able to referee the game to the same standard, as we can see during tests. All it does is put 8 extra referees in the centre which reduces competition for top line spots - and we wonder why the standard has dropped?
- Annual coaches summit - Seems like a good idea to change the rules every year because the coaches want them. They seem like people who would be more concerned with the standard of the game rather than giving their team any edge to ensure they keep their jobs. The game constantly fixes issues that don't need to be fixed, and just muddies the waters of what should be clear rules.
/rant.
