With the games Rugby League and Rugby Union both converging in terms of gameplay, likeness and speed, there are definite improvements that could be made to Rugby League to differentiate it and improve the overall game.
- Kick Escorts : Removing kick escorts from final tackle to contest kick bombs. The last tackle option in Rugby League has become predictable, with kicks often being protected and uncontested on the last tackle.
Coates leaps above defenders to catch the high ball for Melbourne Storm. - 7 tackles – Bringing an extra tackle into the game to mitigate the increase wrestling in NRL.
- Bringing back 2nd referee – The ruck referee was originally removed during the Peter V’landys era of management and vision. The second referee often slowed down the game due to conflicting calls with the primary referee on the pitch. The 2nd referee was initially installed to reduce the amount of wrestling and holding down at the ruck and play the ball. Bringing back the second referee could be brought back to the game, and should only be brought back to the game, to decide on ruck penalties and holding down – often creating a slow, mundane and unntractive gameplay for fans and spectators.
Ashley Klein decides a call in State of Origin, - Drop off rule: Repeated holding down results in a man being sent to the sin bin for 5 minutes. This can only be for a ruck penalty. Player returns to the field only when points have been scored, or at the end of 5-minutes expiry of time. This is often called a power play in other sports, such as Ice Hockey and Cricket.
Nathan Cleary sits on team bench.