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Rule changes for 2021 season.

Rich102

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A two-point field goal for successful shots beyond 40m will be introduced in the next NRL season as one of multiple rule changes endorsed by the Australian Rugby League Commission on Friday.

The radical rule will be introduced in an effort to increase the chance of a result changing in the final stages of a game.

It comes alongside the retention of the controversial six-again rule for 10m and ruck infringements, tweaks to the scrum, captain's challenge, play-the-ball and trainer protocols designed to speed up the game.

ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said the innovative rule changes would lead to faster games and more unpredictability.

"The message from the fans and our broadcasters has been clear; the game became too predictable and the balance between attack and defence had gone too far in favour of defence.


"Our changes last year were successful in addressing some of those challenges and the changes announced today will take the element of unpredictability and entertainment a step further."

V'landys hopes the field goal tweak encourages teams to attack until the final siren in each half and came after a survey of NRL account holder and club members.

"You've got to give the customer what they want," he said.

"It is clear the new innovations last season were a success ... the six again rule has addressed the biggest issue that was in the game and that was the wrestle.

"The changes have sped up the ruck and made the game more free flowing which is exactly what the Commission wanted to see."

RULE CHANGES FOR 2021 SEASON

* 2 points for field goals outside the 40m line.

* Six again for 10 metre infringements and professional fouls in ruck

* Penalty if players break from scrum before referee calls 'break' when satisfied the ball is out of the scrum.

* Play the ball restart when the ball is kicked or carried into touch.

* Handover for incorrect play the ball

* Review retained, but on-field decision stands, where a captain's challenge is inconclusive.

* Bunker reviews done in background after on-field try is awarded, with conversion attempt not permitted until bunker is satisfied a try has been scored.

* Injured players must be interchanged or taken off for two minutes before they can return if trainer asks a match official to stop a game for injury.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/300181533/twopoint-field-goal-for-2021-nrl-season
 

Rich102

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11,524
* Injured players must be interchanged or taken off for two minutes before they can return if trainer asks a match official to stop a game for injury.

Change that to 5 minutes and it would solve a lot of problems.
 
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16,405
2 Point for 40m field goal will be interesting.
Will it be used to come from behind as they want it to be (so it should be in final 5 mins fo halves) or as a union tactic of reward with points for territory eg play to the 30m, pass back to 40m to drop goal specialist.
3 times = converted try.
 

SmashEmBro

Juniors
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638
I can't see any team utalising the 2 point field goal much more than to win a match in the last few minutes of a game, or at the end of the first half.

I don't think we have any kickers good enough that would be able to utalise this to have a strong advantage.

Even in rugby where its 3 point, outside of the South Africans you rarely see a game that has more than 2 drop goals, and even then they're only from 20 out.
 
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I can't see any team utalising the 2 point field goal much more than to win a match in the last few minutes of a game, or at the end of the first half.

I don't think we have any kickers good enough that would be able to utalise this to have a strong advantage.

Even in rugby where its 3 point, outside of the South Africans you rarely see a game that has more than 2 drop goals, and even then they're only from 20 out.
Let's hope.
I can just see a Wayne Bennett coached team taking the 2 points on offer and Reynolds can kick them.
 

sup42

Juniors
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1,983
Wow, mathematically it makes no sense at all.

To get an odd number in league you need a drop goal.

What are the main ways of scoring? even numbers 2 or 4s.

Therefore the vast majority of close games in League are even numbers....down by two....not one.

Therefore you open the door to make draws more likely with a two point option.

Or heaven forbid you invite two drop goal attempts with a four point deficit.

Ah well it is dependent on the distance of forty meters being generally prohibitive.....but again....if you want to decrease draws....a prohibitive option by virtue of difficulty is an oxymoron.
 
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Penrose Warrior

First Grade
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8,602
Just don't see the point of the 2-point FG. There was no demand for it and I can't see the increase in interest for it...if a team is behind 2 with a minute to go and within 40-50m of the line I'd rather see them chance their arm than fire off a hopeless long range FG.
 
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