Ricky Stuart's Blunt Ultimatum on NRL Six-Again Saga: Tries or Wrestling?
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has delivered a stark choice to rugby league fans, framing the ongoing debate over the NRL's six-again rule as a simple decision between more tries or more wrestling. Speaking ahead of the Raiders' clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Canberra Stadium on Thursday night, Stuart weighed in on the controversy that has seen scoring margins and totals increase dramatically in the opening rounds of the 2026 season.
Statistical Surge Under New Rule
The impact of the six-again rule is evident in the numbers. Over the first two rounds of 2026, the average margin has blown out to 19.3 points, up from 14.9 last season. Similarly, the average total score has climbed from 46.3 in 2025 to 50.5 this year. Stuart, a vocal supporter of ARLC chairman Peter V'landys' push for a faster game, emphasized that entertainment is paramount in the sport.
"The business we're in is an entertainment business and you can see that the [ARL] Commission want it to be fast," Stuart said. "You can see the commission wants it to be attractive for our fans and they want tries scored. Speeding up the game is one way of doing that."
Fan Choice: Penalties or Play-On?
Stuart posed a direct question to supporters, highlighting the trade-off inherent in the rule. "You've got to make a decision yourself as a fan. Do you want a referee to keep penalising wrestle? Or would you rather it just be play on with the six-again? You make the decision yourself as a fan. I know what I want. I want to eliminate wrestle. I want to have speed in the game. If the six-again is the way to go, well that's the way to go."
However, he added a crucial proviso: consistency from referees. "As long as the referees are consistent with the six-agains. As long as the referees are also coming down on high-profile players in regards to six-agains, I'm comfortable with it." Stuart admitted he doesn't enjoy conceding six-agains but stressed his team is working to improve execution to avoid giving them away.
Selection Shake-Up: Sasagi Over Timoko
In team news, Stuart explained his decision to select Simi Sasagi in the centres ahead of Matt Timoko, who is on the extended bench after starting the season with a foot injury. This choice presents a clear contrast between attacking threat and defensive solidity.
- Simi Sasagi's stats (2026 opening rounds): One try assist, average of 160 run metres, and 88% tackle efficiency.
- Matt Timoko's stats (2025 season): 10 tries in 25 games, six try assists, 15 linebreaks, average of 149 run metres, and 84% tackle efficiency.
Stuart clarified that the move is based on Sasagi's form, not Timoko's, praising Timoko's team-first attitude. "Matty will be back in there soon. It's not a form thing with Matty. It's more of a form thing with Simi. And the way he handled it is pure Matty Timoko. We all hear this team-first attitude, team-first culture. Well, you can only display it when there's adversity on you. Matty's ... attitude towards handling it has been pure Matty Timoko. He's such a Raider."
This contrasts sharply with Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri, who reportedly threatened to walk out after being dropped to NSW Cup. Sasagi's defensive skills will be tested against Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who was instrumental in Canterbury's win in the corresponding fixture last year.
Upcoming Fixture
The Raiders face the Bulldogs in NRL Round Three on Thursday at Canberra Stadium, with kick-off at 8pm. As the six-again saga continues to unfold, Stuart's ultimatum underscores the broader shift towards a faster, more entertaining game in the NRL.
