LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NRL recently enacted a controversial mid-season rule change that has ruffled feathers among players and fans alike.
Initiated by the Australian Rugby League Commission, the new rule stipulates that any player who has participated in five professional matches across any sporting codes-such as rugby league, rugby union, or rugby sevens-is disqualified from winning the Dally M Rookie of the Year Award.
This change has raised eyebrows within the rugby league community, especially as it coincides with Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase gaining momentum for the award. The timing of the rule has drawn criticism, particularly from Nawaqanitawase's teammates.
Connor Watson, speaking to Wide World of Sports, expressed his concerns: "Mark would probably be the favourite to win it, so I feel like it's hard to make that call halfway through the year when he's played so well." He further noted, "If you're going to make a decision like that, you probably do it at the start of the year."