Teams far more inclined to take shot at goal
THERE was a time when a team going for a penalty kick in the NRL would be met by a chorus of boos from spectators at the game. Not any more.
Shots at goal from penalties was what they did in that other code and when captains were given the option of taking a quick tap or shot at goal for two points, they’d mull it over for a moment, then go for the tap. It was almost an admission of weakness in rugby league to think otherwise.
But that’s changed and teams are far more inclined to bag two points, than take a tap and gamble for six.
In the Warriors’ game against the Roosters last weekend, Issac Luke kicked three penalties and in the four games played in round 15 there was a total of 10 successful penalty kicks.
‘‘It has become more of a trend in the game and there are a couple of reasons for it,’’ said Warriors assistant coach Justin Morgan, who was also coach of Hull KR in England from 2006 to 2011.
‘‘Teams are so much harder to break down attack-wise when you’re in the 20, because most teams will defend with the fullback in the line. Outside of that 20m area, he’ll be that second line of defence. Having him on the tryline, they have that extra player and that always makes it harder to score tries.
‘‘The other reason is that with there being fewer interchanges, sometimes teams look to conserve a bit of physical energy and if they can get some points on the board, give the big guys a breather, that might come into the reasoning.’’
Morgan, who sits next to Warriors coach Andrew McFadden in the coach’s box each week, said they don’t usually send instructions to Ryan Hoffman on what to do with penalties inside the opposition’s half.
‘‘Normally we leave it to the players, unless we need some time to assess an injury,’’ he said. ‘‘If they look for advice we’ll have an opinion and tell them whether to take the tap and keep going, or take the two points.’’ GETTY IMAGES