Mailbox: Reward good defensive play by not resetting tackle count

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com

Hello James,

Does anyone agree that if a defender knocks on when saving a try that play should not be restarted with a scrum and six more tackles to the attacking team?

Too many passes in this situation are ridiculously executed with no thought other than to gain the further six tackles.

It’s one example of rewarding poor play in Super League. There are a few more, but I’m sure everyone can guess what they are!

Play should restart with a gap or play the ball to the attacker without a tackle being added to the attacking team.

The defender in this situation has actually shown more awareness.

There’s little sign of any action occurring to make the game more skilful.

The amendments this season to clear up time wasting have proved to be mere window dressing. Virtually the same amount of time wasting goes on at drop outs and scrums.

Give the fans a ruling voice in this great game of ours by being represented when it comes to any changes being mooted and stop its decline on the field.

Paul Smales

Editor’s comment: There are a number of things that could do with simplifying and I don’t think this is one of them. I think it’s pretty clear if a defending player does touch the ball, then the tackle count should be reset, otherwise where do you draw the line. One area that could use some clarifying is the charge down, which results in resetting the tackle account, however if the ball is kicked against a player deliberately then it doesn’t – so you’re rewarding a static defender more than you do one whose put the effort in to charge down.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com