NRL coaches have voiced their opposition to major rule changes ahead of the anticipated season restart on May 28 with exception to adding an 18th man when a team is disadvantaged by foul play.
The NRL’s Project Apollo committee has discussed a raft of rule changes to ease players into the competition when it starts next month, including extending halftime, drinks breaks every 20 minutes and increasing the number of interchanges.
However, on Friday North Queensland coach Paul Green said because two rounds had already been played, any rule changes would impact the integrity of the competition.
“The general feeling amongst most of the coaches is that we shouldn’t be tinkering with the rules,” he said.
“The comp loses a little bit of integrity if you start for a period under one set of rules and then play the rest of the year for a different set of rules.”
The meeting on Friday afternoon also recommended the game revert from two referees to one to save costs, with the proposal headed to the ARL Commission for approval next week.
It’s understood NRL coaches have also voted against increasing the interchange from eight to 10.
St George Illawarra coach Paul McGregor said he is also opposed to any rule changes but said there is merit in adding an 18th man for player safety.
“I think the 18th man is a decent decision because the impact it could have on other players and the lack of the progression in contact,” he said.
“Usually you go from getting off the ground, which we can do comfortably now, into pad work, into contact, into collision.
“With that only two-week period window there to do that, it makes sense to have an 18th person that could take the field if you lose someone through foul play or a concussion.”
Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook also supports the 18th man as a permanent rule change moving forward.
“I’m comfortable either way. If it does get brought in, I think it’s OK,” he said.
“And if not, we have already started the season. But I think for next year, if not this year, it’d be a great idea.”
