"Old" 5-metre rule for RL

[goranski]

having watched some of the classics from pre-Super League - I'd say rugby league was still a tremendous spectator and players' sport back in the old days with the 5-metre retreat from the play-the-ball although the game was slower and more congested at times...



some fans this season have also suggested that the possible re-introduction of the law might reduce injuries, although many minor and serious injuries don't happen in straightforward situations where the ball carrier or tackler is lined up by his opposite number - anyway I can't see the 10-yard rule being axed anytime soon.



here's the piece online "Bruise Control" where this idea surfaced as a comment: http://www.skysports.com/experts/expert_st...3284149,00.html

 

[Vambo]

The 10 metre rule is great, it creates more space and (in theory) allows form more open rugby but it's dulled the creative edge of many teams.
IMO the game over here in Super League is obsessed with pace to the detriment of skill.
We seem to have developed a 'faster is better' mentality especially with the play the ball which is rapidly becoming a procession of 'scoots' from dummy half with the ball rarely being moved too far from the ruck. The intention seems to be to target the markers not being square, the opposition not back the 10 or to simply play at a pace that makes it difficult for the opposition to get a set defensive line.
Hookers like Roby, Godwin & Higham are in vogue whereas the old style, more traditional hookers such as Cunningham & Newton are quickly losing favour. I can't stand this constant running from dummy half if I'm honest and we've now reached the position where the wingers also take a lot of ball up from the ptb... in fact you'll often find that the first 3 'hit ups' in a set of 6 are taken by the fullback and the 2 wingers... it's getting predictable and boring.

 

[goranski]

wouldn't it be better to let the big units crash the ball up for the first few, although there are some massive wingers in super league?

games would be better if teams varied their play and engaged in more passing and offloading not just on the 4th tackle - although it's risky and the competition is so even.

 

[St Helens RLFC]

To be fair Vambo, Roby and Cunningham are a lot more alike than you think. Cunningham is a stocky powerhouse, but Roby is deceptively strong. In his youth, KC was just as pacy as well.

 

[Vambo]

Roby is deceptively strong. In his youth, KC was just as pacy as well.
[/b]

Yeah I'd agree with you there although I'd say KC spent more playing time on the pitch in his youth unlike Roby who gets lots of 'rest' on the bench and is more of an impact player. The latest injury to KC may actually help Stains in the long run as they will be forced to give Roby more game time.

 

[St Helens RLFC]

Another myth - Roby starts more often than not. KC is slowly being phased out bit by bit, which breaks my heart but that's rugby. He definitely starts against bigger teams because he man marks opposition danger men. Watch next week - he'll try and mark cheap shot Trent. Whether or not he's successful or not is an entirely different matter.