And that's the problem.

Also, the new 6 again rule is just a piggyback penalty to get you out of your own 40. Personally, I don't like it.

Here's another one to look at

Markers must now stand directly opposite the attacker and the second marker must stand immediately behind the first marker, which will stop the second marker from defending from several steps behind.

This can be exploited by the player who is playing the ball, who then starts to move a little sideways just before playing the ball in order to make the markers look like they are not standing square.
It will be interesting to see how the refs interpret all of this.


I like this one if it's policed properly

Another notable change, defenders must now immediately release the ball carrier once they are tackled and cannot be touched until the ball is in play. The rule has been implemented to stop additional defenders from entering the ruck once a player is on the floor. It is expected that as a result, there will be fewer arms in the ruck, again making it easier for the officials to have a clearer view.

Just watched the Leigh v Saints semi-final. If you apply the new rules to an old game, it is easy to see that the refs are going to be very busy until the players sort it out. St Helens are going to have to re-design the whole team strategy. Their dominance for 4 years was based on exploiting the rules.

These new rules have been in place before, standing square, playing with the foot, rolling away after the tackle. The faster we make the game, the players will find new ways to slow it down.

Tackle technique used by John Asiata banned rlHERErl

All 5 rule changes rlHERErl

Cokey, you got that wrong. It is the "James Bell Tackle". Can't wait to see Wellen's face when Bell gets pinged for it.