20/40 Rule could be a game changer

The new NRL season is just around the corner and with it comes a new set of rules changes.

With anything new, there’s always the question of will it work… So, before a ball has been kicked or a ref makes a howler, I will look at the four major rule changes for 2020. First up is the 20/40.

I don’t use this lightly, but this rule has the potential to open the game right up. Especially in the final 20 when the game is still in the balance. We could see a throwback to the early 90’s when players like Langer, Walters, Lyons and Alexander set up tries from their own 20 on a regular basis. The 20/40 asks a lot of questions in both attack and defence, which can only be good for a game as a spectacle.

Put yourself in Craig Bellamy’s shoes, just for a moment. Your team is defending well against the Knights and has managed to pin them down on their own 30 meter zone after 3 plays. Ponga is on the 20 meter line waiting to kick clear towards the Storms 40 meter line, whilst Pierce is on the left and Watson on the right. Dropping your wingers back for a play or two early throughout the course of a game will cause fatigue on your edge defenders. So, would you push your wingers back early or rely on your fullback to cover both touch lines? All of a sudden, the responsibility of your team talker in defence just got much harder.

Now put yourself in the shoes of Knights rookie coach Adam O’Brien. Same scenario, your team is camped on your own 30 meter line after 3 plays. Do you coach your team just to play it safe and take another two hit-ups and kick on the last, or do you allow Ponga, Pierce and Watson free rein to play what’s in front of them?

The next question is who will be the first to kick a 20/40 in the NRL? My spare change is on Mitchell Moses. He was the first player to score a try, goal and field goal at Bankwest Stadium and he has already landed a 20/40 at the same venue during the World Cup 9’s. The Eels play the Bulldogs in Round 1 at Bankwest Stadium so look out.

Lastly what do you think of the new 20/40 rule… Will it be great, bad or what? Why not share your thoughts on this rule in the comments section below.