Proposal to make game more open
Brent Read
November 09, 2006
SOME of the game's greatest minds will today discuss a revolutionary rule change that could put the NRL's most potent dummy-half runners on the endangered species list.
The NRL will host a think tank in Sydney where it will discuss a number of rugby league's contentious rules, including the powers of the video referee, the knock-on, stripping and obstruction. One of the most radical changes could result in markers being given more freedom, a suggestion put forward with a view to reducing the amount of dummy-half running in the game.
Under the present rule, markers must stand directly in front of the tackled player at the play-the-ball. The rule change would result in markers being given freedom to move within a defined area, meaning they could stand beside each other.
"It's been recognised by a lot of people in the game that dummy-half running is increasing dramatically," said referees coach Robert Finch, who will be joined by luminaries including former premiership coach Warren Ryan and Test halfback Greg Alexander.
"People within the game believe we need to look at ways to minimise it."
Finch said the change would still cater for play out of dummy-half, where the likes of Newcastle's Danny Buderus, Wests Tigers' Robbie Farah and Melbourne's Cameron Smith orchestrate much of their side's attack.
However, the idea is to promote a more expansive game rather than one based predominantly on running out of dummy-half.
While a change at marker is unlikely to win widespread support, several others are expected to receive positive airing.
The stripping rule could be altered to allow stealing in tackles where two defenders are involved, or where one defender drops off.
The rule could also be adjusted so only differential penalties are awarded, meaning a team cannot take a shot at goal from the infringement.
That would stop games being decided on controversial stripping penalties.
In July, Wests Tigers forward John Skandalis was ruled to have stripped the ball illegally from a Canberra player in golden point extra time, allowing then-Raiders captain Clinton Schifcofske to kick a goal which won his side the game.
NRL chief operating officer Graham Annesley stressed today's think tank was primarily to discuss the possible changes before they were considered by the coaches and players next week.
"Neither of those meetings can change the rules but in relation to the referees' interpretations it's important to get the feedback of the people who participate in the game," Annesley said.
