Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart argues that the NRL has compromised the essence of its game due to the controversial six-again rule change.
After six years of the set restart's introduction, the league's decision to implement six-agains between the 20 and 40-metre lines marks a significant shift in gameplay since 2021.
This change has facilitated lengthy possession runs for teams, intensifying fatigue among defenders and leading to widening score margins.
Currently, the Raiders have the second-highest points conceded in the league (182), trailing only Parramatta (226).
In the recent match against South Sydney, Stuart's squad allowed a try from Alex Johnston that stemmed from a set restart, highlighting a trend where more tries are scored following a six-again.
"We've lost the fabric of the game. The interpretation regarding six-agains is just given now willy-nilly," Stuart expressed before the upcoming game against Melbourne.
He continued, "There's no repercussions on the decision right at the time, where, for me, a six-again is something that you would have penalised."
"It's got to be a penalty, and I don't believe it is at the moment, and that's why we're getting so much criticism."
Stuart concluded by saying, "Making the game faster doesn't necessarily make it more attractive because the score line is 50 to 30. I don't believe that is more attractive."