Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has expressed concerns that the NRL has diminished the essence of its game, citing widespread frustration with the six-again rule modifications.
After introducing the set restart six years ago, the league's decision to apply six-agains between the 20 and 40-metre lines has initiated the most significant alterations to gameplay since 2021.
This adjustment has resulted in teams enjoying extended possession, significantly increasing fatigue levels among defenders and contributing to widening score margins.
Currently, the Raiders find themselves among the hardest hit, conceding the second-highest points in the league at 182, with only Parramatta allowing more at 226.
In their recent matchup against South Sydney, Stuart's squad allowed a try from Alex Johnston following a set restart, highlighting a rising trend where multiple tries are scored from sets beginning with a six-again.
"We've lost the fabric of the game. The interpretation regarding six-again's is just given now willy nilly," remarked Stuart as his team prepares to face Melbourne on Friday night.
"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."
"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."