Simon Mannering of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images
The NRL has hit the jackpot with its recent rule changes, particularly the reduction in the number of interchanges permitted.
It was desperately needed, as the game will now go back to what it used to be like - a war of attrition.
The sport had evolved too far under
the current rules; it was all about power and size and there was limited fatigue. Sure, it wasn't as bad as the unlimited interchange period of the early 2000s, but it was close.
This change will put a premium on fitness but also modify tactics for the better. There should be fewer three- or four-man tackles - especially in the final 20 minutes of matches - and also reduced wrestling, which no one wants to see and can lead to more injuries. With players getting tired, there will be more space on the field, which ultimately will allow the playmakers and smaller guys to have more of an influence. There has to be a balance - nobody wants to see touch football - but in recent years it has lurched too far in favour of the grind, the arm wrestle.
Maybe the reduction even needs to go further - down to six - but it's sensible to assess the impact of this decrease first and do it step by step.
