Super League fans unhappy as new rules and insane penalty counts “spoil” academy games

As Leeds Rhinos prepared to battle Hull KR and Wigan Warriors geared up for a meeting with Warrington Wolves, the next generation have been playing in the wet and wind.

Both games had their academy sides play a pre-match curtain raisers.

Writing from Headingley, there was a buzz at the stadium to see the next generation collide with the likes of Jack Sinfield set to catch the eye.

However, fans were soon met with the realisation that the new rules were in place.

Two law modifications are being trialled in the RFL Academy competition this summer, as part of the three-year research project across Rugby League led by Leeds Beckett University. The project is quantifying head impact and acceleration exposures in the sport with the aim of increasing understanding and reducing future risk.

The following law modifications will be trialled over four rounds of the Academy competition from June 15 to July 30:

The legal tackle height will be reduced to below the armpit at initial contact, with penalisation for contact on the head and neck at any point;

Kick-offs will now be taken from 10 metres further forward – on the opposition’s 40-metre line, rather than the halfway line at present – to reduce the impact of ensuing collisions.

In addition, Leeds Beckett University have recently completed a study to further understand contact training requirements for Rugby League, and are undertaking an intervention with coaches and players to reduce head collisions in Women’s Super League. The intervention is being delivered by the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer Dave Rotheram and Stuart Barrow, the Head of England Pathways (Women) who is also the Head Coach of England Women. The findings of the studies are considered by the RFL’s Clinical Advisory Group, and the contact load guidance will be distributed to clubs in the summer.

These have led to an insane number of penalties in academy games. There were reportedly 30 in the first half at Wigan whilst a tight game at Headingley ended 32-26 to Hull KR who had trailed 26-24 only to kick eight penalties as the South Stand fumed.

However, as they directed their anger at the official I had sympathy for the young man as he was only applying the new rules.

I also have sympathy for the players of course and the RFL who have to take action as insurance premiums shoot upwards.

Despite this fans weren’t happy:

This is absolutely hilarious. Way to spoil games. Sorry but this is just bad. 5 pens in last 2 minutes.

— Rhinos Faithful 💙💛 (@RhinosFaithful) July 14, 2023

31 first half penalties in the Warrington v Wigan academy match. These new rules make the game unwatchable.

— Chris (@ChrisGordon96) July 14, 2023

@WiganWarriorsRL v @WarringtonRLFC Academy game that should be a massive spectacle being completely destroyed by the worlds worst rule change. 20 in and penalties we’ll into double figures for both teams. Awful

— Gary High (@GaryHigh1977) July 14, 2023