Different times call for ‘different game’ – Luke Gale

We’ve heard this week scrums might be abolished, for the rest of this season anyway.

That is quite a big change to our sport, it would be altering more than 100 years of tradition, but it set me thinking about what scrums are for.

Gone are the days of pushing and hookers striking for the ball and I can’t remember the last time a scrum was won against the feed.

What it does give you, as a half-back, is a decent set-up and some big spaces.

It takes six players out of the game for a moment or two so, in that respect, it would be disappointing, because you’d maybe lose a good attacking play.

If play restarts with a play-the-ball it will certainly speed things up and the medics say it will reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus, so I understand why they are considering it.

It is not ideal, especially making changes seven rounds into the season, but these aren’t ideal circumstances.

I am not sure what will happen after this season, but I suppose, if they bring it in and it works well and the game’s better for it, it could continue into the future.

As far as I am concerned, I am one of those who just gets on with things and then we’ll see.

Most players are probably the same, we will play any form of the game.

If we’re told it’s touch and pass, we’ll do it.

Whatever guidelines are in place we’ll be all for it, especially if it means we get back quicker.

Even if scrums don’t get axed completely, it seems there will be fewer of them.

The laws committee are looking at some rules introduced in the NRL this year, including restarting with a play-the-ball rather than a scrum when a team kicks out on the full – and the same if the ball hits the ref or a trainer.

The big difference in the Aussie game this year is the ‘six to go’ rule so, when there’s a ruck infringement, the tackle count is restarted, rather than play being stopped for a penalty.

That’s also under consideration here. I’ve watched that since the NRL resumed after their Covid-19 shutdown and I really like it.

It makes for a more exciting game and a quicker game.

I reckon it will suit attack-minded teams, which I think we are, so I’d be massively in favour of that.

On Wednesday, it was 500 days to go until the first match of the 2021 World Cup, which I am an ambassador for.

The part I’m involved with is the ‘created by’ scheme. I’m super-proud of what they’ve done with that. I’ve handed so many grants out recently and helped on so many grants – be it facilities, changing rooms or new pitches.

We are bringing communities together at grassroots level, which is massively important not just for when the tournament is taking place, but also afterwards.

I grew up playing rugby league at grassroots level and I know how much the young boys and girls who are setting out in the game now will benefit.

Next year is going to be, hopefully, the biggest and best World Cup ever and the most viewed. I am passionate about it being a huge success and I think the latest milestone makes it a bit more real.

Five hundred days means it is in sight and it’s not too far away now. The organisers are doing a fantastic job, I love the rebrand and the new emblem that unites the three tournaments – men’s, women’s and wheelchair – into one.

It’s also good we know which cities and towns all the nations will be based in. England will be in Manchester, along with the Aussies.

That might make for some headlines, but a third of our team will be playing against them week-in and week-out in the NRL anyway and there’s no problems between the squads.

In rugby league, we are all friends anyway, until we get on the pitch and then we’re the best of enemies!

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