It looks like the NRL is considering allowing teams 5 players on the interchange bench but they would only be allowed to use 4 in the game. This will allow for early injuries during games.
I think it's a good idea as teams often get caught out with an early injury - what do you think?
Replies
But modify it
3 interchange players 6 interchanges
2 allocated reserves who ever they replace is off for good the reserve can become a real tactical ploy
I’ve called for this for a number of years. Having the extra man will allow teams to carry a specialist playmaker on the bench, without having to use them.
Common sense idea
Doesn’t matter, because they’ll only be able to use 4 players off the bench.
Won't that disadvantage one side, if you have to use your backup playmaker and the opposition doesn't then they have 4 fresh forwards to your 3. I also think a coach may elect to carry a 5th forward then abuse the HIA, I'd like to see a reduction in interchanges first.
Most clubs carry a utility player anyway, do we end up with a 6th man in case we get injuries to 2 playmakers? Bad luck is bad luck, I'd like to think at the end of a game, season or career the good and bad calls even themselves out. Adding more fresh players into the fray is not the answer IMHO.
I think they only have 3 fresh players on the bench and have 2 players who play in the lower grade on the bench
Back in the days of real footy teams had 2 reserves.
Reserves only came on when injury forced a player from the field for the remainder of the match.
SO - to address the game time scenario, back in the day reserves could play in another team if not used.
Sometimes we even played in two teams over a weekend. Ie. was used from the reserves and played in another team.
If we go back to having a designated reserve, coaches would have to consider a utility player imo.
At what stage does the reserve come on. Is he there to replace injured player regardless of when (during the game) a player gets carted off?
I can see a certain amount of merit in the idea if developed and used properly.
I can also see a player having a bad day getting injured and being replaced by a better(?) player.
The old Ice pack on the nose would do it.
OH look - miraculous recovery and can play next week.
It's the same system that soccer uses. In the EPL teams can name 7 reserves but can only use 3 of them, the manager makes those decisions for injuries and tactically based on how the game is going.
Under this system a coach has greater flexibility in the bench players he picks, but more importantly he can select a specialist back up playmaker without having to necessarily use him. If you've got a young half you want to get some minutes into, this is a great way to do that without the risk of playing a young guy for the whole game.