The introduction of the revised “six again” rule in the NRL this season has led to a significant increase in scoring, with each round so far witnessing at least 40 points being posted.
Under this new rule, referees now have the expanded authority to award teams an additional set of six tackles for infringements related to rucks or offsides, from the defending team’s 20-meter line up to the try line.
This change has accelerated the pace of play, as fewer stoppages occur for penalties, keeping the game moving briskly.
The resultant fatigue from this quicker tempo has given attacking teams a notable edge, allowing them to capitalize on opportunities to increase their scores.
However, the rule has sparked some controversy, particularly concerning the referees. Due to the nature of ruck penalties, the decision to restart the set has limited options for video review, which grants officials significant influence over the game’s momentum.
Cameron Munster has revealed he no longer watches the NRL due to frustration around the speed of play due to the six-again rule
Jahrome Hughes also believes a certain types of players are being phased out of the game due to the rule changes
While higher scoring would usually result in better entertainment and a satisfied fan, NRL superstar Cameron Munster revealed the new rules have made him turn off when not playing.
‘I think the rules were perfect two years ago, or a year ago, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,’ the Maroons captain said on his 167 podcast.
‘It’s obviously a product the NRL want… I used to watch it all the time but now it’s just in the background, I don’t even watch it.
‘I don’t want to see finals this year go to blowout games. But it’s the product they want, they want to play touch footy, so all the best to them.’
167 podcast co-host Jahrome Hughes echoed Munster’s sentiments saying, ‘I’m seeing stuff and I go, why is that a six again? And then I see something and why’s that not? So I get too technical in my head.
‘For me as a player, personally I can’t really watch rugby, I’ve never been a massive watcher anyway but now its just, I make it too technical in my head and I start picking things out I shouldn’t be and i can’t really enjoy it.’
Hughes also went on to say that he felt like certain types of players are being phased out of the game, adding, ‘It’s sad, like the big, I guess like our old teammate like Nelson [Asofa-Solomona], those types of players are getting washed out of the game because it’s too quick now.’
Asofa-Solomona actually walked away from rugby at the end of last season to pursue a boxing career.
Josh Morris also feels the game has been ruined by the six-again rule making the ref the focal point of the sport
Former referee, turned politician Tim Mander also took aim at the current state of the game, deeming it ‘difficult to accept’
And they aren’t the only ones who feel the six again rule is having a negative impact on the game.
Two-time NRL Grand Final runner up Josh Morris has blasted the league for having ‘too many blowouts.’
‘I don’t want to be negative but I’ve got to say it, the blowouts because of the six to go rule, it’s killing my weekend buzz watching football.
‘It has made the referee the central figure on the field and that should not be the case.
‘When you have the likes of Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes saying they can’t stand watching the game and they just keep it in the background.’
‘It’s bordering on touch football, I know you are trying to eradicate the wrestle, but you need wrestle,’ fellow host Andrew Webster echoed.
Former referee, turned politician, Tim Mander has also said the current state of six-again rule has made the game ‘difficult to accept.’