Derek Beaumont calls for radical change to Six Again rule

This weekend we will one of the biggest events in rugby league as Leigh Leopards and Hull KR battle it out for the Challenge Cup trophy, the oldest trophy in the sport currently help by Wigan Warriors after they defeated Huddersfield Giants in 2022.

A huge final and one that feels truly special being the first final since 1986 without Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves or St Helens.

Hull KR are chasing their first Challenge Cup since 1980 but for Leigh the wait goes all the way back to 1971.

It would be a fairytale for the club who were playing in the Championship a year ago and a perfect moment for owner Derek Beaumont whose investment has underpinned their achievements in recent times.

He also took a gamble rebranding the club this year so deserves any and all success.

He appeared on The Bench podcast ahead of the final and was asked what he would change and that is the Six Again rule coming with a radical change.

“What I want to see on the bench is, I want to see six agains on play one and play two become penalties because people do it on a purpose,” Beaumont said.

“And it buys players time, they lose nothing and gain everything. For me that is a big thing.”

When asked what he wants more of, Beaumont named John Asiata:

“I want to see more John Asiata’s out there. I honestly do. I think the person he puts in danger in those tackles is himself. I think he’s a great player, he’s a great human being.

“I think he’s just someone that has a whatever-it-takes approach; so if he’s absolutely gassed out because everyone’s running him, and they do, he’ll just put his head there, he’ll put anything there , he’s got that mentality. I just think we need more players are like that.

“I’ve never singled out a player as our number one player. I think if I’m a coach coaching against our team, he’s our number one player. I think he’s the one you’ve got to take out of the game. A lot comes around him.”

The Final takes place on Saturday at Wembley as part of a triple header.

The action starts with Leeds Rhinos and St Helens meeting each other for a second consecutive final whilst the action concludes with a meeting between Halifax Panthers and Batley Bulldogs in the 1895 Cup Final.