The recent introduction of the six-man bench has sparked a debate about its impact on modern rugby league.
Throughout its history, rugby league has seen plenty of modifications. From new rules to adjusted interpretations, the game's governing bodies often feel the need to implement changes.
However, some alterations have faced criticism, particularly the six-man bench, especially highlighted during last week's State of Origin match.
This rule was pitched as a measure for player safety, intended to offer additional coverage for injuries and provide coaches with more flexibility amid the sport's physical demands.
In practice, it has led to confusion, undermined the art of team selection, and left capable players on the bench while their teams struggled without them.
The State of Origin series serves as a crucial learning experience for understanding tactics, illustrating why it stands apart from the NRL regular season and how various players perform differently in this elevated arena.
Unfortunately, the six-man bench has demonstrated its lack of utility, bypassing proper team formation instead of enhancing it.
While it's understandable that Laurie Daley faces challenges in gauging how the game will unfold and what type of players to deploy, his in-game adjustments were glaringly ineffective in Game 2.
Phil Gould shared his perspective on this issue, stating, "I think part of the strategy of coaching and picking a team is to cover all your bases and do it from there. I think the six-man bench is poor for club football," during an episode of Nine's 100% Footy.