More NRL rule changes announced, some aim to further increase speed of the game & player fatigue. Was an increase in major injuries (5+ weeks recovery) with rule changes this season, but how much due to short prep time for teams (3 weeks) + COVID challenges?
Some COVID challenges may still exist next season (gameday travel, limited support staff in bubble?), but definitely benefit in announcing changes with 3 months til Round 1 giving teams a chance to prepare/tailor training.
⬆️ in speed/fatigue doesn’t always mean ⬆️ performance or player safety (for a long read see thread below). The key is finding a balance between fatigue & freshness of players. Do the new changes move the balance too far towards fatigue? 2021 injury rates will be very interesting
https://twitter.com/nrlphysio/status/1262292040798232576
One rule change directly related to injuries/player safety below. Once again balance key here; want to keep gladiatorial essence of rugby league but don’t want injured players unwilling to be checked due to risk of going off for extended period (particularly possible concussions) 
Thinking more about this; whilst it will discourage gamesmanship/holding up the play for non-serious injuries, it may actually result in similar stoppages. Play will have to be stopped while player is removed from the field to be assessed, sometimes that isn’t safe straight away
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