Mailbox: Tweaking the six-again rule to stop first tackle infringements

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Dear James

Just to get your opinion on this, the 6 again rule.

As much as I like how it keeps the game flowing there’s something that doesn’t sit well with me. If there’s an infringement during the play the ball I the first or second tackle in the set, its 6 again, giving little to no advantage to the attacking team in comparison to the latter stages of the set.

Maybe, if said infringements happen in the first or second tackle, the referee could push the defence back 10 metres? In a similar fashion to giving an extra 10 metres when a penalty has being given and a defending player/players are arguing?

What do you think?

Gaz Haigh

Editor’s comment: Thanks for the mail, Gaz. An interesting topic for sure. There were positives to the six-again rule, but I think largely, it has now created a bit of a beast. I’ve been to games where teams have clearly been deliberately infringing on the zero or first tackle, knowing that the worst that’s really going to happen to them is to defend one more tackle – they’d rather take that and ensure their defensive line is settled. I do like the fact it reduces the amount of kicks to touch, which can have a significant swing on games, so your suggestion on how to address one of the issues might have legs. I’d almost suggest that infringements on zero or first tackle should be treated as standard penalties. It will be interesting to hear others’ thoughts on this too.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Get your letters in now via email to: james@loverugbyleague.com