In 2026, Super League will look have faster, cleaner rucks as the referees crack down on improving the speed of the game.
The move will hope to see more attacking rugby played, as well as less stoppages and timewasting for penalties, but Leigh Leopards boss Adrian Lam is not convinced it will be an instant change.
The Leopards boss spoke to the media ahead of the club’s opening round clash with Leeds Rhinos, and he was asked a discussed a number of topics including the new laws that will be enforced.
Lam’s men have played two games so far that fell under the new rules, the first being the club’s pre-season game over Warrington Wolves.
In a wet and windy affair that was no use for any sort of attacking rugby league, the Leigh boss explained how he didn’t really get anything out of the warm-up fixture, but one thing he did pick up on was the increased amount of infringements that were given by the referees.
He explained: “The conditions, the weather, and there was that many stop and starts, with the referee slightly changing the rules in the sense of trying to speed the ruck up.
“I think there was 15 indiscretions in the first half, which just stopped the momentum of the game.
“I’m a bit concerned about how that’s going to look across Super League in the first couple of weeks and rounds. Hopefully they’re not too whistle-happy and they allow the game to play.”
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Obviously, teams, referees and fans will all have to get used to the rule changes, and whilst by the end of the season there should be a better on-field product, Lam believes the first month or so of the season could become frustrating.
He said: “If you remember all the way back to round one last year, when we played Wigan… it was a game that there was no stoppages, and that’s what people want to see.
“Let’s make sure, let’s hope, there’s a good focus with the referees and there’s not too many stop-starts.
“I think everyone’s got a feel of what it’s going to be. It’s just a shock when it happens, because it ruins the game to be honest with you.
“We want our fans to be able to watch every game and enjoy it, and you get enjoyment by seeing fluent games of rugby.”
Both Leigh and their opponents this week, Leeds Rhinos, like to play attacking and expansive styles of rugby. In prospect, the game is set to be hugely entertaining, and Lam will be hoping that the implementation of the new rules don’t affect the flow of the game, or worse, the result.
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