Mailbox: Rules are rules – or maybe not

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com

James,

This is an extract from the RFL laws:

Play with foot (e) When the ball touches the ground it must be heeled (i.e. backwards) by the tackled player. The ball must not be kicked or heeled by the player marking him. The ball is in play when it has been played backward.

I watched the (Super League) Grand Final on Saturday and never saw this rule implemented once….

Formation of Scrum 2. To form a scrum not more than three forwards of either team shall interlock arms and heads and create a clear tunnel at right angles to the touch line.

The forward in the centre of a front row (i.e. the hooker) shall bind with his arms over the shoulders of the two supporting forwards. Not more than two second row forwards on each team shall pack behind their respective front rows by interlocking arms and placing their heads in the two spaces between the hooker and his front row forwards. The loose forward of each team shall pack behind his second row forwards by placing his head in the space between them. All forwards must pack with their bodies and legs at right angles to the tunnel and the upper parts of their bodies horizontal. Once the ball has been put in the scrum no other player can lend his weight to it.

Didn’t see this either…… Maybe 45 degrees. But not horizontal. I could list all the paragraphs on scrums but we deviate even more.

So what’s my point… Well rules are rules and not for individuals’ interpretation, so follow the rules or change them otherwise it is cheating to get an unfair advantage.

Personally I would police the play the ball properly and do away with scrummaging, it’s been a farce for the 50 years I have watched rugby league.

Graham Collins

Editor’s comments: Completely agree with getting rid of scrums, a waste of time and another layer of confusion for explaining the game to new fans, particularly as they serve very little purpose. The play the ball is a bone of contention, especially as quick play the balls have such a decisive impact on the game. Touching the ball with the foot must be made mandatory.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com