I was told, when the uncontested scrum first came about that it was as a result of Australian sports clinic analysis of sport related injuries. The numbers I was quoted stated that there were seven broken necks incurred in rugby league as a result of scrum forming/collapsing. The view was taken that that is seven too many and from now on they would be uncontested to try to avoid this. Incidently, I was also quoted that the same survey found twenty three broken necks in rugby union. Not seen anything myself about this though.

Yes I am not advocating scrums like RU just those like we had pre Super League.

As for time wasting we have Video Referee, the remarkable injuries preventing the drop out, the mandatory pause and reflect before a scrum, the constant chats before and after penalty award and the 4 seconds of nonsense each tackle. That is why the game is not as dynamic as it was.

In that case, might as well just do away with them and start with a tap like 40/20's now begin.

Thin end of the wedge is that.

What happens when the medics say there have been lots of concussions caused by full tackle, and for players' safety Super League should go to touch rugby.

It would certainly make the game more interesting...one out drives don't get you far in touch.

Not for me MPN at least a scrum ties up 12 players

Presuming you meant scrums not half backs (the original topic?)

Yes, I meant scrums. We either do them properly or not bother.

Half backs are an endangered species close to extinction, anyhow.

Yes, it's a contact sport and is mildly dangerous to health but seldom fatal or causing life changing injuries. Plenty other sports are more dangerous.
For example, the IoM TT. All the riders know the grave risk and do it anyway for the love of it.

Another example is boxing. The sport rewards those who can cause their opponent such acute head and brain trauma that the opponent loses consciousness. All boxers know this and accept it.

I am afraid this "no contested scrum" concept is another case where a sport is unnecessarily emasculated at the whim of well meaning do gooders.

The "All must have prizes" and helicopter protectionist culture.

Sorry Wires71 but I couldn’t disagree more strongly about boxing. Deliberate blows to the head should not be tolerated in any sport.

As far as scrums are concerned they are, and were, in my view boring. They are useful as a means of restarting while tying in 12 players.

"a contact sport"...I'd say not a strong enough description....a collision sport.

I don't like boxing personally but I would struggle to put forward an argument as to why it should not be allowed if all those involved are sentient and prepared to accept the consequences.

I take the view that at some point people need protecting from themselves. I appreciate that is a view that won’t find favour with everyone.

Yep it's a tricky philosophical point when we consider who protects us from the protectors? Best summed up as [iQuis custodiet ipsos custodes? [/i

Yes Wires71 you have me googling the translation. Very good!

Inglis also played a couple of seasons at 6 for Melbourne

Blimey Wires71, is that from the venerable bede's match report on the first test between The Vikings and the Northumbrians of 793?!

I think you will find it was a match involving the Centurions.

I've always been a fan of the big halves.

Perfacetus

The Derekus Bello Monte era was before then!

Was Biggus Dickus the referee?

The utility aspect of many players is both an advantage and a disadvantage. However, in that split second decision making situation you tend to revert to type and if that is not a halfback and you are playing halfback you might not seize that opportunity. Yes, super talented players can make a good fist of different positions but is that just to cover inadequacies in those other positions.

Footnote: A halfback needs runners and dummy runners