According to the latest NRL regulations, the second-rowers have emerged as the most crucial position on the field.
The first two weeks of the 2026 NRL season have sparked significant debate regarding the future direction of the game.
There's a lot to discuss.
NRL executives and spokespersons are eager to highlight rising ratings and viewer numbers, while former players express nostalgia for the version of the game they cherished.
The fanbase appears divided; one segment appreciates the speedier style, while the other is deterred by the continual six-again calls.
Personally, I find myself somewhere in the middle.
It is incredibly frustrating that excessive scrutiny is resulting in frequent set restarts.
Every time I hear that six-again bell, my shoulders tense, and I literally cringe. It's as if that sound haunts my dreams.
On a more positive note, I was on my feet, cheering intensely when Alex Johnston sprinted down the left side to chase the try-scoring record.
Each try in the entertaining match between Souths and Dolphins two weeks ago was a joy to watch. I'm all for experiencing a thrilling 40-30 game occasionally.