Warriors coach Andrew Webster admits he is not a fan of several proposed NRL rule changes, with the most contentious still on track to be trialled in next month’s pre-season matches.
The league has floated several amendments, headlined by a potential overhaul of the kickoff rule that would allow teamswho have just conceded a try to choose whether they kick off or receive the ball.
Traditionally, the team that concedes a try then kicks off.
The NRL believes altering that process could help limit momentum swings and reduce the likelihood of blowout scores.
However, the proposals have been met with widespread resistance.
In an email leaked to the Daily Telegraph, all 17 NRL clubs rejected the changes, raising concerns about their impact and recommending the rules be trialled rather than immediately implemented.
The clubs warned that significant alterations risk changing the “fabric of the game”.
Other proposed changes include increasing match-day squads from 17 to 19 players, with teams able to select four players from a six-man interchange bench depending on how the game unfolds.
There is also a proposal for set restarts to replace penalties for infringements outside the attacking team’s 20m line, while the seven-tackle set rule could be changed so that a team will not concede the extra play on the next possession if they knock on during the act of scoring in the in-goal area.
But it is the kickoff rule that has caused the most frustration, with Webster admitting he prefers the game as it currently stands.
“Not a fan personally,” Webster said. ”Tactically it’s interesting, but I think it’s pretty good how it is.
“They’re trying to stop big momentum where someone can score three tries in a row, but if you’re conceding those, you’re probably not good enough to begin with.
Andrew Webster. Photo / Photosport
“That’s one of the most frustrating things as a coach and a player, conceding off a kickoff. If you get scored against, the good teams make sure they stop the bleeding right there and then.
“I’m pretty happy with the current rule, but if they change it, we’ll tactically come up with ways to use it to our advantage.”
With regards to the extended interchange rule, Webster could see some of the benefits, but admitted it would leave some players without game time, which would not be helpful for their career progression.
Webster feels a solution to this rule would be making the current rule around the 18th man easier to activate. As it stands, when a team has two concussions from foul play, they can get an extra bench player, but Webster feels they should be activated after one player is ruled out.
Mitch Barnett is in contention to return in round one. Photo / Photosport
Meanwhile, the Warriors are on track to field a competitive squad for their season opening match on March 6 against the Roosters.
Webster says co-captain Mitch Barnett will be in the mix, but could return as late as round four from an ACL injury, while halfback Luke Metcalf’s estimated return to play is between rounds seven to 10 from the same injury.
Rocco Berry is also in doubt for the season opener after complications following shoulder surgery.
The 24-year-old dislocated his right shoulder against the Manly Sea Eagles and underwent surgery, which didn’t go to plan, so he had a second operation.
Fullback Taine Tuaupiki is expected to be in the mix after breaking a leg on a farm.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
