Ruck row: PVL breaks bread with riled up players’ union
Scott Bailey |
Peter V’landys insists he is willing to listen to players on any review of set-restart rules, after being accused by the players’ union of calling the integrity of the game’s stars into question.
V’landys raised eyebrows on Monday when he claimed players were “not telling the truth” about set-restart confusion, amid renewed discontent on the eve of finals.
His frank comments came as an AAP survey found most players at Monday’s finals launch did not have a clear understanding of the NRL’s ruck interpretation.
Melbourne captain Harry Grant put the issue in the spotlight on Saturday, declaring the sport must decide if it wants to be touch football or rugby league amid fears the ruck had become too quick.
Cronulla counterpart Cameron McInnes and Sydney Roosters star James Tedesco also questioned inconsistencies in the ruck, with the set-restart rule not giving captains a chance to get clarity.
V’landys and Rugby League Players Association chief executive Clint Newton have since broken bread on both the matter and the former’s remarks.
The pair failed to reveal the specific details of what they both termed a “private conversation”.
But Newton said the duo are on the same page about “how this can be better managed going forward”, while the ARL Commission chairman welcomed “healthy constructive debate” and player feedback.
“Players are entitled to their views on the game they play and should be able to express those views honestly and respectfully without having their integrity questioned,” Newton said.
“The impact of rule changes has been a significant talking point among not just players, but also clubs and fans throughout 2026, and we don’t believe there’s any benefit in the game dismissing those concerns.
“Publicly questioning players because they’ve expressed their experience of playing the game doesn’t help that process.
“We will always defend a player’s right to provide honest feedback about the game they love.”
V’landys had suggested on Monday the 80-metre zone in which set restarts can be given would not change next season, pointing to NRL data that showed play-the-ball speeds remained similar to last year.
But when asked on Wednesday if set-restart rules and ruck interpretations would now be reviewed at the end of the season, V’landys indicated he was open to that prospect.
“We will always keep open mind and welcome all input. Especially from the players. Then the Commission needs to balance all views,” V’landys said.
“I always respect Clint has the best interests of the players in our discussions.
“Also I welcome the feedback back from the players. Healthy constructive debate is always good for the game.”
Speaking at the finals launch, V’landys had also claimed he did not buy the argument from players that they were unsure why some set restarts were awarded, given they “know when they’re trying to control the ruck”.
Set restarts increased dramatically over the opening half of this season after the area of the field in which they are handed out increased from 60 to 80 metres.
That coincided with a sharp rise in points and average margins, before restarts decreased through the middle of the season and went back up over the past month.
“He knows my views on (his comments), but we finished that call with a clear, shared understanding of how this can be better managed going forward,” Newton said.
“We’ve been transparent about the feedback we’re receiving from players and we’ve offered the NRL the opportunity to discuss the impact of rule changes with players in a private setting.
“We want those conversations to continue, and Peter has always welcomed that process, with commitments to meet with the RLPA and players throughout the year.”
AAP