LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Newcastle Knights legend Matty Johns has criticized the NRL's proposed rule change regarding kick-offs, asserting that coaches should focus on improving their defensive strategies rather than seeking easy solutions.
The NRL is contemplating a return to an option that would permit teams to choose whether to kick off or receive the ball after conceding points. This approach was previously used during the Super League era and is part of a wider set of rule amendments to be discussed with clubs this week.
Currently, the team that allows points automatically kicks off, giving possession back to the opposition, but the suggested change would significantly alter this dynamic, especially during lopsided games.
Johns, who is now a part-owner of the Gold Coast Titans, views the proposal as an artificial means of balancing scorelines rather than tackling the underlying issues. He stated, "If you don't want to have 10 per cent possession, defend well." He emphasized that this rule attempt seems to "square things up artificially," reminding that "if there's a blowout, there's a blowout."