Rhinos up for Hybrid challenge

Quote: Richie "I'm not sure what you can do to merge the rules. Whatever you do around kicking, scrums, the ball going out of play, points scoring, number of players, there is always one key difference

These are the rules

Hybrid rugby rules

* Thirteen players per team:

* Instead of six-tackle sets and unlimited phases, a set time in possession (shot clock) is used where the attacking side has 60 seconds with the ball. Teams in possession are required to score or kick during this time otherwise a turn over in possession will occur on the sound of the shot clock or referee’s signal. The ruck and maul will also be subject to the shot clock;

* Play the ball (RL) applies while the attacking team is in their own half of the field;

* Ruck and maul (RU) while the attacking team is in their opponent’s half of the field;

* Six-man contested scrums with the attacking side to have the loose head with the ball fed into the centre of the scrum. Scrums will be governed by current rugby union laws, especially touch and engage;

* A try will be worth five (5) points, conversions and penalty goals will be worth two (2) points and field goal will be worth one (1) point.

* There are to be two referees, one union and one league;

IMO it favours union teams more. I don't see any benefit for rugby league teams to embrace this apart from gaining popularity.

The NRL teams have never been offered this type of match. What the guys in Oz want is Australia Kangaroos vs the Wallabies in a Hybrid match.

The NRL/ARL though are not really showing any real desire to make this happen. They dont need to as RL is in a very strong position.