Momentum has become the new buzzword in the NRL and for good reason, judging by the impact of the weight of possession since the introduction of the six-again rule for ruck infringements in the 2020 season.
This season, the NRL has changed the six-again rule, expanding the zone where restarts can be applied for breaches in the ruck area. The new rules apply between the two 20-metre lines, rather than between the 40-metre lines as they did in the 2025 season.
In the first round, there were 64 six-again decisions, an estimated 35 per cent increase in the number of six-again rulings resulting in huge swings in games.
It has resulted in teams often having as many as 18 tackle sets, creating havoc for a fatiguing defence.
It was brought in to increase the speed of the game, with the six-again restarts replacing penalties.
The argument against the new rule is that the NRL has taken it too far in a bid to speed up the game, making it an easy option for referees.
It was never more evident than in Friday night’s game between the Raiders and the Warriors, with the Warriors awarded three six-again rulings in a row, followed by a penalty in the second half.
The major momentum swing happened in the second minute of the second half, with the scores locked at six all. Warriors centre Ali Leiataua swooped on a Tom Starling pass to put the home side in front 12-6.
With a succession of six-again rulings against them, the Raiders were on the back foot for the entire second half as the Warriors piled on another five unanswered tries in the 40-6 victory.
On Thursday night, the Raiders take on the Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium in their first home game, a game sure to bring back memories of a massive momentum swing in last year’s encounter between the two sides.
The Raiders led 20-nil at halftime and looked to be well in control before Stephen Crichton stepped up. The Bulldogs, on the back of a mountain of possession, ran rampant to score 32 unanswered points to record a remarkable come-from-behind victory.
What has been increasingly clear this season is the willingness of referees and the bunker to award restarts on 50/50 calls.
I didn’t mind it when it first came into the NRL six years ago as it increased the speed of the game, discouraging teams from cynically slowing down the play with teams on the attack.
But the dramatic increase in the number of sixes has become ridiculous this season, effectively making the game less combative and more in the style of Rugby 7s.
With the match officials seemingly inclined to continue with this approach, the Raiders must adapt as ill-discipline is costing the side dearly.
You could see it in the first round, almost resulting in a loss to Manly, and then again against the Warriors.
