The six again is a mockery but at least teams are going to be punished for abusing it.
Rules changes:
"Rugby League Live can reveal that from next season, a team will concede a regulatory penalty, rather than a six again, for any offence that takes place in the opposition's own 40-metre area. As an example, if a defender is too slow at releasing a player when the attacking team is within 40 metres of their own try line, a penalty shall be called, rather than a six again, as has been the case in recent years. Set restarts will be given in the remaining area of the field.
The change has been made to stop teams from purposely holding down at the start of a tackle count, which allows the defensive line to take shape at the expense of having to make one extra tackle. It is a rule change that will likely be well received by supporters, who have regularly voiced their annoyance when the tactic has been used by teams.
But it is one of several changes that have been made, all with a focus on cleaning up the ruck from next season. Moving forward, there will be a clampdown on incorrect play the balls with players now being warned that they must make a genuine attempt to touch the ball with their foot.
From next year, players must regain their feet and have no other body part in contact with the ground. It is the ball carrier's responsibility to not place the ball on the defender and make a genuine attempt to contact the ball on their foot".
