In an email leaked to the Daily Telegraph, all 17 NRL clubs rejected the changes, raising concerns about their impact and recommending the rules be trialled rather than immediately implemented.<\/p>\n
The clubs warned that significant alterations risk changing the \u201cfabric of the game\u201d.<\/p>\n
Other proposed changes include increasing match-day squads from 17 to 19 players, with teams able to select four players from a six-man interchange bench depending on how the game unfolds.<\/p>\n
There is also a proposal for set restarts to replace penalties for infringements outside the attacking team\u2019s 20m line, while the seven-tackle set rule could be changed so that a team will not concede the extra play on the next possession if they knock on during the act of scoring in the in-goal area.<\/p>\n
But it is the kickoff rule that has caused the most frustration, with Webster admitting he prefers the game as it currently stands.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot a fan personally,\u201d Webster said. \u201dTactically it\u2019s interesting, but I think it\u2019s pretty good how it is.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re trying to stop big momentum where someone can score three tries in a row, but if you\u2019re conceding those, you\u2019re probably not good enough to begin with.<\/p>\n
Andrew Webster. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s one of the most frustrating things as a coach and a player, conceding off a kickoff. If you get scored against, the good teams make sure they stop the bleeding right there and then. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty happy with the current rule, but if they change it, we\u2019ll tactically come up with ways to use it to our advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n
With regards to the extended interchange rule, Webster could see some of the benefits, but admitted it would leave some players without game time, which would not be helpful for their career progression.<\/p>\n
Webster feels a solution to this rule would be making the current rule around the 18th man easier to activate. As it stands, when a team has two concussions from foul play, they can get an extra bench player, but Webster feels they should be activated after one player is ruled out.<\/p>\n
Mitch Barnett is in contention to return in round one. Photo \/ Photosport<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Warriors are on track to field a competitive squad for their season opening match on March 6 against the Roosters.<\/p>\n
Webster says co-captain Mitch Barnet<\/a>t will be in the mix, but could return as late as round four from an ACL injury, while halfback Luke Metcalf<\/a>\u2019s estimated return to play is between rounds seven to 10 from the same injury.<\/p>\n Rocco Berry<\/a> is also in doubt for the season opener after complications following shoulder surgery.<\/p>\n The 24-year-old dislocated his right shoulder against the Manly Sea Eagles<\/a> and underwent surgery, which didn\u2019t go to plan, so he had a second operation.<\/p>\n Fullback Taine Tuaupiki is expected to be in the mix after breaking a leg on a farm. <\/p>\n