5 Rules The NRL Must Change Or Risk Losing Fans Forever

NRL fans have been left frustrated and scratching their heads this season after some controversial calls in recent weeks. Now it seems the rules have to change before they walk away from the game.

Another week goes by in the NRL and fans were again left frustrated after multiple controversial refereeing decisions including Cameron Smith being sin-binned for something we have seen go unpunished all year.

The other decision was Jake Trbojevic being sin-binned for taking a player off the ball whilst attempting to make a tackle.

The NRL will surely be looking closely at what can be done in the off-season to ease the frustration for fans and bring people back to the game.

Here’s 5 rules we think the NRL must change to improve the game.

5. Give each team 1 captains challenge.

It seems every sport is now heading down the path of giving the players the ability to challenge a call if they believe it is wrong.

This would be something that must be done within 15 seconds to ensure that the speed of the game doesn’t drop.

4. Allow video referee to overturn any ruling if there is a stoppage of play.

This would aimed purely at knock-ons and players being put into touch such as the howler that was made in the Storm Vs Raiders final just over a week ago.

3. Change Golden Point to Golden Try.

No fan or team deserves to lose a match and possibly leave the competition due to a field goal shoot-out so Golden Point must be changed to Golden Try which would mean if there is a field goal the game will continue until a try is scored or time runs out.

This will encourage teams to use their field position and push for a try to win the match immediately.

2. Stop the game clock when play is stopped but keep the shot clock.

Every week fans are robbed of precious game time when play is stopped and you’d be surprised how many minutes it can add up to at the end of each game.

The NRL needs to take a page out of the NFL’s book and stop the clock when play has stopped but keep the shot clock running to keep the game moving.

This may also help open the game up in the dying minutes due to fatigue. Imagine what someone like Lattrell Mitchell could do late in a game with a few tired forwards attempting to make tackles.

The fans want tries and exciting finishes to games and this would be one way to help.

1. Referee’s must use discretion!

There is nothing better than watching an NRL game and not hearing the whistle blow.

This doesn’t mean don’t penalise but referee’s must learn when a penalty is absolutely needed and when they can let a couple of things slide.

What do you think? If there’s anything you think we have missed let us know on our Twitter page. @thesportingbase