NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has announced a shock new rule, which is designed to open up the game even further.
Effective immediately, forward passes will be allowed if thrown in the immediate lead up to scoring a try.
Abdo was inspired by the controversy over the try to the Warriors’ Ben Murdoch-Masila in Canberra, which was off a clear forward pass.
“When you think about it, this new rule is really going to open our game up. Five eighths and halfbacks can now fling the ball with abandon to their wingers and not worry if it ‘floats forward’,” said Abdo. “We’re going to see some spectacular tries now, and more of them. I can’t see any downsides.”
However, Abdo has a couple of disclaimers. “Firstly, the ball must still be thrown with the normal passing action, and any forward passes in general play – that don’t lead to tries – will be called back. We have to show some restraint here.”
Rugby league ‘legend’ Phil Gould has rubbished the new rule. “Abdo’s lost his mind. Back in my day, you had to earn tries through legal, backward passes. What’s next, are coaching staff going to hire former NFL quarterbacks as ‘passing advisors’? Turn it up, Abdo! You’re killing the Greatest Game of All!”
