The NRL season has been marked by unusually high scores, prompting questions about the reasons behind this trend. From Round One, games like Knights 28-18 Cowboys, Storm 52-4 Eels, and Warriors 42-18 Roosters set the tone, and the pattern has continued.
Set restarts and ruck speed
One major factor is the increased use of set restarts, which give the attacking team an extra set of six tackles instead of a penalty. Three consecutive sets near the try line create immense defensive pressure, leading to fatigue and more points. Another factor is ruck speed: quick play-the-balls force defenders to retreat 10 metres, often struggling to get back before the next attack, resulting in penalties or tries.
Player skill levels
Wayne Bennett, Souths coach with over 900 games, noted that today's players are more skilful across the board. "Front rowers are no longer just battering rams; they've got skill with the ball," he said after the Knights' 42-38 win. This skill makes defending near the try line extremely difficult, contributing to high scores.
The Knights' performance, with stars returning and a "play what you see" mentality under coach Justin Holbrook, exemplifies the trend. The game was decided in the final 60 seconds, thrilling fans but highlighting the defensive challenges teams face.
Craig Hamilton, an ABC NRL commentator for 20 years, analysed these factors, concluding that set restarts, ruck speed, and enhanced player skills are driving the blowout scores.
