https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... es-9767295

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/r ... es-9767295

I'd say something like 60% of drop outs became short drop outs. Some very high with no angle but more out on either side to the centre area. Of those, I reckon about half were retained by the defending team. About 10% probably resulted in the tap to the attacking team.

Thank you. That is quite a change to the game.
In a sport that is trying hard to reduce injury I think this might cause collisions as balls in the air with lots of players attacking the ball is bound to cause the odd problem.

All I know about short kick-offs is it cost Brisbane a grand final win. Commanding lead and 3 times went with short drop out which Penrith scored from. At the time I was perplexed as to why they didn’t just hoof it up the field. Fine if you are chasing points and want to get the ball back but not when you have a good lead.

There doesn't seem to be much relationship between the score and whether they go long or short. More that some coaches/teams just seem to like it. And some players go short pretty much all the time.

I haven't noticed that many big collisions, probably less than a forward charging it back in off a long drop out.

Very interesting. I suppose I always watch out for players getting battered from high kicks. In this case the defenders all start from just over 10 yards away. The kickers will be practising their short drop out skills from tomorrow morning & ought to be good at it by the start of the season. Those receiving the kicks will be working on subtle obstructions & looking forward to the relatively new fun of catching a high ball under pressure. Full backs & wingers have traditionally had the sole pleasure but soon the joy of catching a high ball with opposition approaching will be enjoyed by all.