LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Recently, the NRL has introduced various rule changes that have significantly impacted match outcomes.
Although these changes aim to enhance player safety, two NRL legends believe that modifications are necessary to prevent compromising key match-ups.
On Nine's Freddy and the Eighth, former players Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler expressed their concerns about the controversial "tackled-in-air" rule, which has recently led to several penalty tries, particularly affecting teams like the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks in Round 23.
Johns remarked, "I don't know what they want," referring to the NRL's objectives.
This rule prohibits defenders from tackling a player in the air until they land, aimed at preventing potential injuries to attackers. However, it has allowed certain teams, such as the Storm, to exploit the rule by directing kicks towards taller wingers who cannot be tackled while airborne.