The Six-Again Rule: A New Era of Fast-Paced Rugby League?
The NRL’s off-season rule adjustments have undeniably shaken up the start of the current season, with set restarts seeing a significant surge. While the sheer volume might feel overwhelming at times, the “six again” rule, even with its expanded application from the attacking 20-metre line to the try line for offsides and ruck infringements, is a positive development for the game. The dynamic nature of rugby league means that officiating and player strategies will naturally evolve, eventually finding a comfortable equilibrium. This increased emphasis on the ruck, which has reportedly boosted set restarts by a substantial 67 per cent compared to last year, has demonstrably opened up the game. It’s fostering a quicker contest, more dynamic play-the-balls, and crucially, providing more opportunities for creative talent to shine.
The ripple effect of this shift promises a more engaging spectacle as the season progresses. Even in the opening rounds, it’s been a breath of fresh air to see star centres like Bradman Best and Latrell Mitchell receiving early ball, showcasing their individual brilliance. The open nature of play fostered by these set restarts is dismantling the reliance on predictable, structured attacking sets. Gone are the days of repetitive “block play for a block play” sequences.
Halves Unleashed: Beyond the Robot Era
Modern halves are now compelled to play closer to the advantage line, injecting much-needed variety into attacking plays. Forwards are increasingly opting for offloads, leading to more spontaneous and fast-paced football. If this trend continues, we’re likely to see an end to the era of predictable halves and the stifling “wrestlemania” that has plagued the game. The monotonous “three dummy-half runs, one hit-up, and a kick to the corner” routine might soon become a distant memory.
Powerhouse clubs like Penrith and Melbourne appear to be adapting seamlessly to these new interpretations. The Panthers boast an imposing combined scoreline of 52-6, while the Storm have amassed an impressive 98 points while conceding a mere 24. Their respective spines are clearly relishing the increased space on the field, and as a sport, we should be actively encouraging this evolution, empowering our most talented players to exploit these opportunities and create magic.
The increased ball movement is also evident when teams are breaking out of their own territory. Alex Johnston’s record-breaking try last weekend, initiated by David Fifita and Latrell Mitchell from deep within their own half, is a prime example. Similarly, Kalyn Ponga’s spectacular try a few days later began with a similar passage of play from their own end.
The Future of Rugby League: A Look Back to the Future
In my view, this reward for fast, open football bears a striking resemblance to the style of play prevalent in the mid to late 1990s. For aspiring young halves and playmakers, my advice is simple: study the greats. Find a VCR (or your streaming equivalent) and immerse yourself in the games of Allan Langer and Ricky Stuart. Their approach offers a compelling blueprint for attacking flair and dynamic play.
The fundamental question for fans and players alike is whether they’d prefer to witness and participate in a grinding 10-8 defensive arm-wrestle or an exhilarating 40-30 attacking shootout. The current officiating trends are likely to influence positional evolution as well, potentially bringing smaller, more mobile middle forwards like Cameron Murray and Reuben Cotter further into the fray. However, the imposing presence of larger forwards remains vital. Fears that the “six again” rule introduced in 2020 would render them obsolete have proven unfounded. Players like Viliame Kikau and Junior Paulo have successfully adapted their games to the evolving landscape.
Beyond the elite NRL level, a crucial consideration for junior rugby league is the potential introduction of weight divisions. As the game accelerates and fatigue levels increase, ensuring player safety during the formative stages of their careers is paramount.
Recent years have seen a consistent rise in television ratings and crowd attendances, suggesting that younger generations are embracing the current style of play. Perhaps instead of relying on the opinions of seasoned veterans, we should be actively soliciting feedback from the 10-to-30 age demographic regarding rule changes and tactical approaches. While the current number of set restarts might be excessive, a more balanced approach is anticipated in the near future.
Raiders Poised to Capitalise on New Ruck Rules
In Canberra on Thursday night, with clear and cool weather expected, the Raiders are set to host Canterbury. This fixture presents a prime opportunity for the Raiders to truly flourish under the new ruck interpretations. Their preferred style of play, which involves dynamic attacking movements around the ruck and capitalising on offloads from their forwards, aligns perfectly with the current officiating. Players with explosive pace and footwork such as Tom Starling, Ethan Strange, and Kaeo Weekes are particularly dangerous in these situations.
However, through the opening two weeks, Canberra’s performances have been somewhat inconsistent. Errors and a lack of discipline have hampered their efforts. Their narrow golden-point victory over Manly, a team experiencing a period of underwhelming form, highlights this. This home opener marks a significant occasion for the Raiders, and the return of Josh Papalii from concussion is a major boost. His experience, size, and proven ability to inspire his teammates are invaluable.
The Bulldogs, having not played for 18 days since their Las Vegas campaign, may exhibit some early-season rust. Furthermore, the ongoing Bronson Xerri saga this week could cast a shadow, particularly given his usual position on the right edge. Despite these factors, Canterbury remains one of the NRL’s most resilient and fittest teams, known for their ability to minimise unforced errors. The persistent question surrounding them, however, remains their ability to consistently generate points. With the current ruck officiating, it’s likely they’ll need to score at least 24 points to secure victory in this encounter.
The Blues Back Row Battle Intensifies
Canberra’s Hudson Young is slated to face off against fellow Ashes tourist Jacob Preston in what promises to be a compelling clash between two elite edge runners. With Xerri’s axing, increased pressure will fall on the young Lachie Galvin and his combination with Enari Tuala. Young is expected to target Galvin, aiming to unsettle him with physical play and powerful runs.
However, Galvin has Preston by his side, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see both Preston and Young representing New South Wales in Origin in the not-too-distant future. Their playing styles are highly admired. Preston rarely runs a decoy line, and Galvin’s effective use of the short ball is understandable, given Preston’s ability to bend the defensive line with his pace and footwork. Young, on the other hand, is a genuine match-winner. His ability to appear on the opposite edge and set up a try with a chip kick, as he did against Manly in round one, is a testament to his skill. Ultimately, Canberra’s stronger middle rotation and their speed around the ruck are expected to give them the edge over Canterbury in this contest.
Joey’s Tip: Raiders by eight
First Try-Scorer: Xavier Savage
Man of the Match: Joe Tapine
The Grand Final Rematch: Broncos Under Pressure, Storm Flying
Friday night’s fixture features a grand final rematch between two teams that have experienced vastly different starts to the season. The Brisbane Broncos appear to be struggling when pressure is applied, consistently conceding points. Following Penrith’s 26-point haul in round one, Parramatta piled on an additional 40. The reasons for this defensive fragility are unclear. While a top-eight finish is still a possibility, a significant concern is the durability of Adam Reynolds’ body for the entire season. He has been ruled out with a rib issue, meaning Ben Hunt will shift to halfback, fundamentally altering the Broncos’ attacking structure.
Hunt is a tough, running halfback whose threat often lies on the right edge with his signature dummy-half variations. However, he lacks the kicking and ball-playing prowess of Reynolds, so Reece Walsh is expected to assume a greater share of the kicking duties. This could, however, bring out the best in Walsh as he faces off against Sua Fa’alogo, two of the game’s most exciting entertainers.
Melbourne, meanwhile, are in scintillating form, having scored 98 points in their opening two games, with their playmakers operating at an exceptionally high level. While the “big three” historically refers to Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, and Billy Slater, the current trio of Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, and Cameron Munster are now firmly in that elite echelon. Individually, they are all exceptional talents, but when they combine, their synergy elevates their play to an entirely new level.
Brisbane’s defensive structure on the left edge has undergone changes, with Deine Mariner now defending at centre, a position he hasn’t frequently occupied at NRL level. With Grant Anderson outside him and Ezra Mam, who was a target for Parramatta, alongside a new back-rower in Xavier Willison, Melbourne will undoubtedly probe for weaknesses out wide. The Storm are predicted to win this match comfortably.
Joey’s Tip: Storm by 13-plus points
First Try-Scorer: Will Warbrick
Man of the Match: Harry Grant
