V’landys wrestles a big issue

PETER V’landys has doubled down on his war to rid the NRL of ugly go-slow wrestling tactics, revealing his next mission will be to reduce the interchange from next year.

After ignoring huge criticism from most NRL coaches who didn’t want a return to one ref or the introduction of the controversial six-again rule, the ARL Commission chairman has now vowed to tackle the very issue fans have been debating for years.

It relates to a plan initially put forward by former Knights star Matthew Johns back in 2014 to former NRL chief executive Dave Smith and then football boss Todd Greenberg.

At the time Johns wanted to reduce the interchange from 10 to six to bring back more fatigue and open the game up to attacking players.

Despite significant support from fans and former players the NRL didn’t have the gumption to take his advice. Until now.

V’landys was yesterday locked in crucial meetings with broadcasters hoping to finalise a deal in the coming days.

But asked specifically about whether he wanted the interchange reduced for next year, V’landys left no doubt as he took a stunning swipe at the entertainment value of the modern game.

“Look, the objective is to have a free-flowing game of rugby league that is not all about defence,” V’landys said.

“We are in the entertainment business and the very loud message I got from the broadcasters is that we are not as entertaining as we once were. And that is because of the wrestle, the slowing down of the ruck and not as much fatigue.

“We need to make our game attractive to the fans. So, yes, we will certainly be looking at it without doubt.”