The controversial NRL set restart rule has been in play for a few years now, and fans of the sport have weighed in on its impact. Through three separate polls conducted on the Fans Have Your Say app, a clear picture is emerging about how the rule is affecting the game. From questions about its consistency to calls for its complete removal, the results suggest that the set restart rule is far from universally loved.
Fans’ General Sentiment on the Set Restart Rule
In the first poll, fans were asked about their feelings toward the set restart rule now that it has been implemented for a few years. The results show a marked dissatisfaction among the majority of respondents:
- 57% of fans don’t like the rule, with many arguing that traditional penalties would be a better option.
- 24% feel that while the rule has potential, its application feels discretionary and inconsistent, undermining the intended flow of the game.
- 19% are in favor of the rule, though they remain in the minority.
Concerns About Inconsistency and Impact on Game Flow
When asked about how the set restart rule is currently being used in the NRL, the majority of fans expressed frustration with its inconsistent application:
- 37% believe the rule is “ruining the flow of the game,” with referees having too much influence on the outcome. This group strongly dislikes the rule and advocates for its removal.
- 21% argue that the rule’s inconsistency in application is problematic, but they would support its continuation if clearer guidelines for referees were introduced.
- Another 21% of respondents feel that referees are using the rule strategically to manage comebacks and keep scores close, adding to the perception of a lack of consistency across games.
- 11% are unsure about the best course of action, but they agree that changes need to be made to improve the rule’s application.
- 10% are content with the rule as it is currently applied, though they remain a small minority.
Ideas for Improvement
In the final poll, fans were asked how they would improve or fix the set restart rule. The most common suggestion was to return to the traditional penalty system:
- 61% of fans want the rule scrapped altogether, with many advocating for a return to traditional penalties.
- 17% suggested that the rule could work if more consistent guidelines were introduced to help referees apply it more fairly.
- 11% of respondents would prefer to leave the rule as is, with no changes needed.
- Another 9% remain unsure about the rule’s effectiveness but feel that the current system is not working well.
- A small minority (2%) proposed reducing referee discretion and making the rule reviewable or challengeable, though this option didn’t resonate with the wider fanbase.
What’s Next for the Set Restart Rule?
The overwhelming sentiment from the polls is clear: the set restart rule, while intended to improve the flow of the game, has created significant inconsistencies and frustrations. Whether the NRL will take steps to adjust or scrap the rule entirely remains to be seen. Fans are looking for greater clarity, consistency, and a return to a system that puts the game’s flow and fairness above all.
As the season continues, it will be interesting to see if the NRL responds to these concerns and how the set restart rule evolves in the future.
What do you think? What changes should the NRL make to improve the game in relation to the set-restart rule? Have your say on the latest polls
Fans Have Your Say – Download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
