League: Playing follow the leader

The Bartercard Cup will be refereed along the same lines as the NRL this season as the New Zealand Rugby League seeks a uniform approach that prepares players for international representation.

So the refs will call on dominant or surrender tackles as do the NRL's whistlers, and the speed and manner of the play-the-ball rule will be brought into line with what happens in the Australian competition.

A significant part of the reason for the change is that players watch TV and then repeat what they see.

It has made it difficult for coaches and referees, and the watching public, at times so the NZRL has aligned with the Australians.

There are only two rule differences, both for safety's sake: shoulder charges a-la Sonny Bill Williams are not allowed - a player must use arms in the tackle; and players cannot be tackled in the air when in-goal - the defender must wait until they land.

One change has been made to eligibility for playoffs: a player must appear three times in round-play before he can take part in the finals series. This came about after Warriors fullback Brent Webb turned out for North Harbour in one game all season, in playoffs.

The competition this season will be bolstered by the return of several veterans with overseas experience, as well as more appearances by Warriors development players and those NRL players coming back from injury.

Hibiscus Coast has Shaun Ata back from Penrith and former Warrior and Canberra centre Odell Manuel; Warriors/Manly prop Dallas Rennie is signed for Wellington; Artie and Phil Shead, who have played internationals for France, are at Mt Albert; experienced French campaigner George Tuakura is back at Otahuhu; and former Warrior Bryan Henare returns from England.

There are also some significant shifts of talent. Glenora half Gavin Bailey and the Bears' captain from last year, Mark Toelau, are key signings for Counties-Manukau; Marist-Richmond have lost coach Bernie Perenara and gained Sam Panapa; and 2004 Brothers captain Henry Turua has gone to Otahuhu.

The Bartercard starts tonight with North Harbour Tigers hosting Counties-Manukau Jetz at Albany.