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"It's not enough": Sattler proposes new alternative to NRL's kick-off rules
Sam Kosack • November 13th, 2024 4:19 pm
NRL legend Scott Sattler has proposed a new change to the NRL’s kick-off rules amidst swirling rumours the NRL is looking to overhaul the iconic opening in an effort to reduce concussions.
Stories broke on Tuesday that any team that sends a kick-off beyond the opposition’s 20-metre line would concede a seven-tackle set. However, Sattler worries this potential change wouldn’t be enough to change the tactics of teams and suggested a different plan.
“It’s not enough to deter concussions,” Sattler commented on *SEN 1170 Sportsday*.
“They want your guy running into the line so they’re going to kick it long, back their defence, and get a good shot (on) tackle one.
“Can I throw in an alternative? I’ve always thought two passes… I know it’s a bit like under 6s and 7s but the pass stops the defence.”
Under Sattler’s new plan, teams would be required to pass the ball twice in an attempt to slow down the momentum leading into the initial collisions.
Despite disagreeing with their plan, Sattler did agree with the NRL, insisting that changes need to be made to the kick-off for the sake of player safety and welfare.
“If there’s one play in rugby league where you allow the opposition a free play to dominate you and potentially take out a key player of your team, it’s the kick-off,” said Sattler.
“It’s the most wasted play in rugby league; league where you’re running into the teeth of the defence and you’ve got three or four defenders that are going to try and potentially hit you at once, it’s a free play.
“From 2023-2024, the rise of concussions and head knocks from the kick-off has risen significantly, anywhere up to 6-7% across the board which is concerning.
“I want to know what the other options were… I don’t think it’s set in stone. I wonder if the NRL has thrown this out there to gauge what the response is going to be from fans and media alike.”
The NRL is yet to officially announce any rule changes for the 2025 season.
Stories broke on Tuesday that any team that sends a kick-off beyond the opposition’s 20-metre line would concede a seven-tackle set. However, Sattler worries this potential change wouldn’t be enough to change the tactics of teams and suggested a different plan.
“It’s not enough to deter concussions,” Sattler commented on *SEN 1170 Sportsday*.
“They want your guy running into the line so they’re going to kick it long, back their defence, and get a good shot (on) tackle one.
“Can I throw in an alternative? I’ve always thought two passes… I know it’s a bit like under 6s and 7s but the pass stops the defence.”
Under Sattler’s new plan, teams would be required to pass the ball twice in an attempt to slow down the momentum leading into the initial collisions.
Despite disagreeing with their plan, Sattler did agree with the NRL, insisting that changes need to be made to the kick-off for the sake of player safety and welfare.
“If there’s one play in rugby league where you allow the opposition a free play to dominate you and potentially take out a key player of your team, it’s the kick-off,” said Sattler.
“It’s the most wasted play in rugby league; league where you’re running into the teeth of the defence and you’ve got three or four defenders that are going to try and potentially hit you at once, it’s a free play.
“From 2023-2024, the rise of concussions and head knocks from the kick-off has risen significantly, anywhere up to 6-7% across the board which is concerning.
“I want to know what the other options were… I don’t think it’s set in stone. I wonder if the NRL has thrown this out there to gauge what the response is going to be from fans and media alike.”
The NRL is yet to officially announce any rule changes for the 2025 season.
