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NRL considering changing kick-off rules in an attempt to stop blowouts
Fixing the NRL's possession problem | 01:36
Staff Writers from Fox Sports
June 22nd, 2021 7:19 pm
Leading NRL journalist Paul Crawley has revealed the ARL commission will consider changing the kick-off rules and allowing the team that has conceded a try to receive the ball from the restart.
Crawley appeared on NRL360 on Fox League where he suggested the rule change could prevent increased blowouts.
The NRL has seen a widening in margins since the introduction of the six-again rule in 2020, before further tweaks to the rules in 2021.
“There’s a few people around the game talking about this because if you haven’t got possession – and the good teams keep hold of the ball for a long time and that’s making it incredibly hard for the struggling teams,” Crawley said.
Daly Cherry-Evans prepares to kick offSource: AAP
“One of the ideas being flouted around the game- but of course the NRL is too scared to talk about it because all of the rules that have been brought in and the controversy its caused.
“There might be a simple solution that goes against the history of the game, but if someone scores a try, let them kick off. Suddenly the other team gets the ball – it was used in the Super League.
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“Every single season we thrive on the soap opera of rugby league.
“Every year we find something to talk about but at the moment the football has been brilliant, I don’t know anyone who can say it hasn’t been but we are concentrating on the negatives. There’s too much focus on the negatives, the football is brilliant, but I think a way to stop the glut of possession is to change that rule.”
Adam Reynolds takes a kickSource: Getty Images
The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent, however said the onus should be on coaches to adapt to the rules.
Why aren’t teams, given this weight of possession that’s going against them, doing things like short kick-offs?” he asked.
“Or short dropouts? Trying to find ways to contest possession. Where is the coach? I think too much commentary is focused on the blowouts.”
Haha Crawley thinking the football has been brilliant this year...what a goose!!
Fixing the NRL's possession problem | 01:36
Staff Writers from Fox Sports
June 22nd, 2021 7:19 pm
Leading NRL journalist Paul Crawley has revealed the ARL commission will consider changing the kick-off rules and allowing the team that has conceded a try to receive the ball from the restart.
Crawley appeared on NRL360 on Fox League where he suggested the rule change could prevent increased blowouts.
The NRL has seen a widening in margins since the introduction of the six-again rule in 2020, before further tweaks to the rules in 2021.
“There’s a few people around the game talking about this because if you haven’t got possession – and the good teams keep hold of the ball for a long time and that’s making it incredibly hard for the struggling teams,” Crawley said.
“One of the ideas being flouted around the game- but of course the NRL is too scared to talk about it because all of the rules that have been brought in and the controversy its caused.
“There might be a simple solution that goes against the history of the game, but if someone scores a try, let them kick off. Suddenly the other team gets the ball – it was used in the Super League.
MORE NRL NEWS
‘TURNED HIS BACK ON ME’: Williams hurt after bond with Ricky went ‘pretty sour’
‘CULTIVATED FAILURE’: Tigers’ ‘awful’ front office slammed for club’s position
REVEALED: Why Kevvie let Origin rookie Reece Walsh quit the Broncos
“Every single season we thrive on the soap opera of rugby league.
“Every year we find something to talk about but at the moment the football has been brilliant, I don’t know anyone who can say it hasn’t been but we are concentrating on the negatives. There’s too much focus on the negatives, the football is brilliant, but I think a way to stop the glut of possession is to change that rule.”
The Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent, however said the onus should be on coaches to adapt to the rules.
Why aren’t teams, given this weight of possession that’s going against them, doing things like short kick-offs?” he asked.
“Or short dropouts? Trying to find ways to contest possession. Where is the coach? I think too much commentary is focused on the blowouts.”
Haha Crawley thinking the football has been brilliant this year...what a goose!!
