This game is fast becoming a lucky dip when it comes to decisions. If the rule says feet behind the line on the play the ball then how can you possibly excuse 3 sets in that frame NOT being where they should have been and the supposed second marker being in no man's land to the right of the marker and in advance of the main defensive line. AND the following really sets me off as if the infringement of being offside is within the attacking team's 40 metre it is a penalty...Effectively, unless you have a kicker that can aim up and pot a shot over 60 metres you get sweet FA.
NRL confirms BIG change to controversial ‘six-again’ rule as HIA loophole closed
www.foxsports.com.au
The NRL has confirmed a significant change to the controversial six-again rule for the 2022 season.
According to NRL.com, instead of a set-restart, a penalty will be awarded if a team commits a ruck infringement
or has a player or players inside the 10 metres while
“inside the 40 metre zone of the team in possession”.
It comes after teams repeatedly exploited the six-again rule in 2021, delaying the ruck and deliberately being off-side early in the tackle counts.
The overhwhelming majority of “six-agains” were awarded within the first three tackles.
“This will provide an additional deterrence to defending teams who are willing to concede set restarts to gain a tactical advantage,” the statement from the NRL reads.
“It will also provide more opportunities for teams receiving the penalty to attack from a better field position.”
The referee of course can award a full penalty for repeat breaches but now you see most teams sneaking one or two in a set and not getting picked up or simply just getting a set restart. If a set restart is given and there is another offside breach they simply do another six again . So smart sides will do a couple knowing they are immune to having a penalty kick awarded against them. All so we are told in the aim of speeding up the game...
The Commission, after extensive consultation with all stakeholders, has decided not to introduce any new Rules for the 2023 season.
www.nrl.com
10m compliance in general play
Active defenders must have both feet in line or behind the referee when setting the 10-metre defensive line.
Referees will have the option of awarding a full penalty for multiple 10m breaches without requiring the mandatory use of the sin bin. Referees can still use the sin bin if they consider breaches to be deliberate or cynical. The changes will give further clarity to officials and teams around what constitutes a breach of the rules.