Let's chew the fat on this miserable rain day.

[Bates]

1. Should NRL coaches be consulted in new rule changes?

It's a no from me however if they decide to go the other way then every single NRL coach should have their say and not just a select few.

2. Should new rules be trailed in lower grades before they're introduced to the NRL

It's a yes from me. I also think coaches need more time to introduce the new rules into their playing systems. Giving them 3 months notice is amateur hour stuff.

3. What's your favourite and least favourite new rule that's been introduced in recent times?

Favourites - Corner post rule and 40/20...... Before that the 5 metre defensive line rule becoming 10 metres.
Least favourite - 6 again rule. I hate it!

4. Has the Bunker grown on you?

Not really.

5. Do you think they'll pull the pin on the new Kick Off rule following the backlash from players, fans and coaches?

Yes

[Steggles]

Interesting thread; it really got me thinking, then depressed when I remember how far our game has deteriorated.


1. Should NRL coaches be consulted in new rule changes?

No, they will only agree to changes that suit their current squad of players; too self-interested. An independant rules committee appointed annually by the RPLA, made up of respected former players, former coaches and former referees might be better than what we have now. No current coaches, non-playing media types or NRL employees.

2. Should new rules be trailed in lower grades before they're introduced to the NRL

Yes, for the full preceding season, then critically reviewed & implementation decision in October ready for the start of the following year, giving the a full season with knowledge of the changes and a full off-season to implement approved changes.

3. What's your favourite and least favourite new rule that's been introduced in recent times?

Favourites - 40/20, captain’s challenge.
Least favourite - 6 again, bunker involvement (except for tries), 7 tackle set, banning the shoulder charge, sin bin, non-contested scrums which removed a skill from the game entirely, no punch rule.

4. Has the Bunker grown on you?

Not at all; it’s a blight on the game

5. Do you think they'll pull the pin on the new Kick Off rule following the backlash from players, fans and coaches?

God I hope so.

[Paddo Colt 61]

Hasn't the new kick off rule been punted so to speak? Years ago the ARL deferrred to England and English rules applied in Tests. Is that still the case or are we in sync?

The Bunker is always supported by those on the right side of the decision. Often with a sigh of reief. And it's often gamed, it gets a few wrong but far fewer than sole refs, look at the Cap challenges.

New rules are purposed to make the game even more attractive to the growing TV mega audiences. They're tried, they're often ditched, some are revolutionary like the 6-tackle and the 10M rules. Big media would have been behind all of that. The game is evolving quickly, we're a long way from a suburban (mostly inner) comp which wasn't that long ago surprisingly.

[Mickie Lane]

1. Should NRL coaches be consulted on new rule changes?

Yes but I wouldnt leave it up to them

2. Should new rules be trailed in lower grades before they're introduced to the NRL

Not sure. Whats the difference between trialing them in lower grades & 1st grade if every team has to play by the proposed rule change.

3. What's your favourite and least favourite new rule that's been introduced in recent times?

Favourite Corner posts not being out
Least favourite No punching

4. Has the Bunker grown on you?

The NRL are doomed if they have the bunker & they are doomed if they dont have it.
It just adds to the theater of NRL

5. Do you think they'll pull the pin on the new Kick Off rule following the backlash from players, fans and coaches?

I hope they introduce it, I dont know why everyone has a problem with it?
You have a choice so if you are the team that has just had a try scored against you & you dont like the rule then just kick off, whats the big deal?

[Bates]

1. Should NRL coaches be consulted on new rule changes?

Yes but I wouldnt leave it up to them

2. Should new rules be trailed in lower grades before they're introduced to the NRL

Not sure. Whats the difference between trialing them in lower grades & 1st grade if every team has to play by the proposed rule change.

3. What's your favourite and least favourite new rule that's been introduced in recent times?

Favourite Corner posts not being out
Least favourite No punching

4. Has the Bunker grown on you?

The NRL are doomed if they have the bunker & they are doomed if they dont have it.
It just adds to the theater of NRL

5. Do you think they'll pull the pin on the new Kick Off rule following the backlash from players, fans and coaches?

I hope they introduce it, I dont know why everyone has a problem with it?
You have a choice so if you are the team that has just had a try scored against you & you dont like the rule then just kick off, whats the big deal?

The problem with it is the team that scores should be rewarded and receive the ball. It's been like this forever, it's part of the fabric of the game!

With the new rule the team that scores and potentially is mounting a comeback or has worked hard to have the momentum doesn't get that choice. They will most likely be the ones kicking off as possession is 9/10 of the law!

[Mickie Lane]

The problem with it is the team that scores should be rewarded and receive the ball. It's been like this forever, it's part of the fabric of the game!

With the new rule the team that scores and potentially is mounting a comeback or has worked hard to have the momentum doesn't get that choice. They will most likely be the ones kicking off as possession is 9/10 of the law!

They can then do a short kick off & get the ball back or maybe they kick deep & the opposition side drops it.

At the end of the day it doesnt really matter because all the teams will be playing to the same rule so they're all in the same boat, it makes it more exciting.

[007]

The problem with it is the team that scores should be rewarded and receive the ball. It's been like this forever, it's part of the fabric of the game!

With the new rule the team that scores and potentially is mounting a comeback or has worked hard to have the momentum doesn't get that choice. They will most likely be the ones kicking off as possession is 9/10 of the law!

Absolutely. Change for change's sake? NRL heading more and more towards NFL. The Kim Jung Un of the NRL will no doubt get his way regardless of what the fans, supporters, club members, coaches and players say or what they may think will be for the betterment of the game. He and his sidekick Abdo are ruining (if not ruined already) this game. 6 again, bunker, biased refereeing, contracts, favourable fixtures for certain teams, judiciary (yes, think Mam/Leniu - spoken in detail about this before on several occasions so I won't repeat myself). All these issues can be resolved - it's not that difficult.

So next year we get an 18th team (thank Christ for the stupid unnecessary bye round in week 1 and an uneven ladder). But wait, PNG joins a year later - oh goody a 19th team - back to an uneven ladder.

What's next? Let me guess a 20th team? Oh, can't wait. NRL north, south, east and west conferences. No doubt that would make some brain-dead supporters happy.

Rant over.

[milanja]

Absolutely. Change for change's sake? NRL heading more and more towards NFL. The Kim Jung Un of the NRL will no doubt get his way regardless of what the fans, supporters, club members, coaches and players say or what they may think will be for the betterment of the game. He and his sidekick Abdo are ruining (if not ruined already) this game. 6 again, bunker, biased refereeing, contracts, favourable fixtures for certain teams, judiciary (yes, think Mam/Leniu - spoken in detail about this before on several occasions so I won't repeat myself). All these issues can be resolved - it's not that difficult.

So next year we get an 18th team (thank Christ for the stupid unnecessary bye round in week 1 and an uneven ladder). But wait, PNG joins a year later - oh goody a 19th team - back to an uneven ladder.

What's next? Let me guess a 20th team? Oh, can't wait. NRL north, south, east and west conferences. No doubt that would make some brain-dead supporters happy.

Rant over.

Another good rule to try would be, that in one tackle of your set of six, you have to attempt a pass downfield.

[Steggles]

Another good rule to try would be, that in one tackle of your set of six, you have to attempt a pass downfield.

How about another; no need to place the ball on the ground for a try, just need to get it over the goal line in the hands.

[Mr Whippet]

How about another; no need to place the ball on the ground for a try, just need to get it over the goal line in the hands.

Yes, from me as well, no need for countless replays of was the grounding OK.
The spectacular corner grounding with both feet in the air over the side line would remain as well.

[007]

How about another; no need to place the ball on the ground for a try, just need to get it over the goal line in the hands.

But then you wouldn’t be able to call it a touchdown - or could you?

I also think wingers should be called a tight end or tight arse - depending on how you look at it and or whether or not they’re mercenaries.