Good odds that Roosters will crow again at season’s end

After another tough off-season for officials, the NRL has embraced innovation to boost attacking football. Laine Clark reports.

The more things change, the more they may stay the same in NRL season 2020. The league has embraced innovation this year by introducing a range of rule changes to promote attacking football, while some clubs will also boast a very different look.

Yet the Sydney Roosters still appear the team to beat as it looks to become the first side in the modern era to win a hat-trick of NRL premierships.

Cynics may also argue not much has changed in the NRL off-season, which has again been marred by off-field dramas.

Just when weary powerbrokers thought they’d seen it all, along came not one but two Bali controversies – outside the same nightclub no less – before Canberra recruit Curtis Scott ran aground on Australia Day weekend.

And before you could say ‘‘no fault stand down’’ along came the curious case of Josh Reynolds.

However, on the field the powers that be are hoping the game has a very fresh look in 2020, ushering in rule changes relating to scrums, trainers and tackling players off the ground while also introducing a 20/40 kick. Perhaps the most controversial addition is the captain’s challenge, which critics believe will only slow the game.

Despite all the new rules, Canberra fans will no doubt be simply hoping the biggest change is that referees don’t regret yelling ‘‘six again’’ following the 2019 NRL grand final debacle when they controversially lost to the Roosters.

But change won’t be restricted to the rule book, with some team lineups having a radically new look in 2020.

All eyes will be on former Cronulla premiership winner Valentine Holmes when he runs out for North Queensland after being welcomed back following his failed 2019 NFL sojourn in the USA.

The Raiders – last year’s feelgood story – will hope to bounce back from their final loss when they unleash England half George Williams and — after getting the all clear from the NRL – ex-Melbourne centre Curtis Scott.

They won’t have Joey Leilua after his defection to Wests Tigers while ex-Warriors rake Issac Luke’s signing suddenly appears a master stroke by St GeorgeIllawarra

after losing Cameron McInnes to a knee injury.

And Brisbane will be sweating on former Storm playmaker Brodie Croft to spark a Broncos outfit still smarting from their record 58-0 finals exit at the hands of Parramatta, who went from 2018 wooden spooners to a top five outfit

‘‘As a coaching staff and a want to be the future of fo

Roosters coach Trent Robinson