NRL considering changing the kick-off rule with seven tackle set if ball kicked beyond 20m line
In a bid to stave off the concussion crisis engulfing the sport the NRL is reportedly considering a radical change to kick offs that will rile traditionalists of the game.
To minimise props charging into defenders at the start of games, and after points are scored, the rule tweak would see teams punished for kicking the ball beyond the 20 metre line on the full by awarding the receiving team a seven tackle set.
The move would mimic changes in the NFL where kick-offs are no longer returned to cut down on high-impact collisions.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.One of the most highly anticipated facets of the game has become a flashpoint in the concussion debate with several high-profile injuries this year from kick-offs.
Dragon Moses Suli was knocked out at the start of the Anzac Day clash against the Rooster as he attempted to tackle Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. In September Nelson Asofa-Solomona was suspended for the grand final after Rooster Lindsay Collins was concussed from a a high shot as he returned the ball from a kick-off during the preliminary final.
The rule tweak would encourage teams to go for shorter kick-offs and try to regain the ball as they do now with drop-outs after the rules were changed so that teams would not concede a penalty for not kicking the ball 10 metres or kicking it out on the full.
In April columnist for The Nightly Mark “Spudd” Carroll argued changing the kick-off would be a bad decision for the NRL to make.
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for player welfare. I’ve had my share of head knocks and know the damage they can cause,” he wrote.
“But in trying to make the game safe you can’t change the fabric of the game.
“Rugby league is built on hard hits.”
Carroll said today he still stood by his stance.
“If they want to ruin a game which has been going since 1908 Doing this will guarantee it,” he said.
“Like Kentucky fried chicken - Never ever change the recipe.
“The only change I’d agree to is the player who catches the ball has to run it. He can’t give it to a front rower running in from the back fence.
“That would probably lessen the high-impact collisions.”
