- A crucial regulation was implemented in the 2025 season.
- Has been applying defensive pressure to teams
- Supporters are demanding that the rule be eliminated.
NRL Supporters are outraged about the significant increase in set restarts this season, with angry fans demanding that the contentious rule be eliminated.
In the first four rounds of the 2025 season, there has been an increase in six-again calls, with the average per match rising from 4.7 last year to 6.
In the initial four stages, this issue has led to an astounding 192 set restarts, causing frustration among both supporters and trainers.
The most significant rise has been observed in penalties for ruck infractions, which have surged by 30 percent when compared to the previous season.
The issue is especially severe within the defending team’s 20-metre area, with violations increasing almost twofold from 30 instances in 2024 to 59 this year.
Penalties for offside in this region have increased as well, jumping from 17 to 25. This indicates that squads are intentionally allowing consecutive sets close to their own try line with the aim of halting the opposition’s offensive drive.
Angry supporters have turned to social media platforms to express their discontent, calling for modifications to a regulation they believe is destroying the game.
'A viewer expressed frustration saying, "After watching two Super League matches, tuning into the NRL reveals a stark contrast in the number of ruck infractions,"'
We need referees to enforce stricter rules and call more offside and ruck penalties. The play-the-ball has become much neater and more enjoyable to watch! It’s preferable to witness additional penalties than the current chaotic situation.
Other people completely rejected the rule.
One spectator fumed, 'Infringements during scrums are spoiling the sport,'" while another asserted, "The six-again rule is the most idiotic and detrimental change ever made to Rugby League. It spoiled the previous World Cup and ruins countless games.
A lot of fans think that referees are employing six-against situations to control how games progress.
"The rule limiting team momentum to six applies is how they manage the flow of games," a disgruntled supporter commented.
They previously did this through the assistant referee. What was once called Rugby League has grown dull and routine under V'landys.
Ricky Stuart, the coach of the Canberra Raiders, has earlier poured gasoline on the flames by criticizing the refereeing and pointing out the discrepancies in how set restarts are granted.
"I witness six hits each week from particular teams that target my unfortunate players, yet no action is taken," Stuart fumed following the Raiders' loss to Manly.
The experienced mentor highlighted the stats showing that Canberra received 10 penalties as opposed to merely four for their adversaries. Moreover, the Raiders were penalized six times for ruck infractions, whereas Manly was sanctioned only once.
The NRL authorities remain steadfast, asserting that the regulation will be upheld.
Authorities assert that the six-against-one call aims to quicken gameplay and promote an offensive style of rugby. However, opponents contend this has had precisely the reverse effect, as squads strategically incur penalties to hinder their adversaries' advances.
Phil Gould, who leads the Bulldogs team, has likewise criticized the six-again rule before, expressing concerns that it interrupts the flow of the match and causes frustration among both participants and spectators.
However, consensus is not universal. Ex-player and analyst Matty Johns supports the regulation, contending that squads must improve their discipline within the ruck area.
He maintains that the six-again policy compels teams to be accountable for their defensive setups and renders the match more equitable.
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