NRL 2021: NRL release data that disproves fatigue argument, new rules, six again, Peter VтАЩlandys
The RLPA has hit back at the NRL after it released new data claiming to disprove the theory new rules implemented over the past two years have led to players being more fatigued.
The Rugby League PlayersтАЩ Association (RLPA) has hit back at the NRL after it released new data claiming to disprove the theory new rules implemented over the past two years have led to players being more fatigued.
The information presented by the NRL was in contrast to the assertions coming from players, coaches and former players that the speed of the game is impacting on onfield performance and leading to more errors.
The NRL released data тАЬof key football and fatigue related indicators in the gameтАЭ that it claimed тАЬcorrects some misconceptions about the changes in the game over the last two years.тАЭ
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The RLPA in a statement took issue with one particular word from the NRLтАЩs statement – тАЬwhile thereтАЩs a perception the players have never been more fatigued, the data simply does not support that assertionтАЭ.
тАЬWhile it may not have been the intention, dismissing the feelings and experiences of players as тАШperceptionтАЩ in this statement lacks awareness and respect for those playing the game,тАЭ the RPLA said.
The statement added that players have provided the RLPA with тАЬdirect feedback throughout the season regarding changes to the level of fatigue and match demands, which has been shared with the NRLтАЭ.
It concluded that the RLPA will request more data from the NRL and clubs before confirming their position.
That data highlighted by the NRL focussed on the following matters:
– While thereтАЩs a perception the players have never been more fatigued, the data simply does not support that assertion.
– Players who are fatigued are more likely to make errors тАУ yet the error rate over the last three years has remained flat. The error rate today is almost the same as the error rate before the new rule changes.
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– Players are running about 500m less per game this season than last season and consistent with the number of metres run in 2019.
– ThereтАЩs now 7.7 tries per game compared to just over 6.6 in 2019. That means the players are getting more stoppages for tries this year than previous years. The increase in tries coincides with players running faster from tackle breaks and in open play. The average distance covered at more than 20km per hour has risen from 255m per game in 2019 to 299m per game in 2021. Player speeds at more than 25km have risen moderately from 47m to 53m over the same period.
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– Fatigue does not appear to be impacting on field performances or decision making. Players arenтАЩt making more errors, they are not running more metres and they are getting more breaks because there are more tries.
тАЬWe will continue to meticulously monitor the data and if there is a negative trend we will address it. Player welfare is our absolute priority and if there were any signs that fatigue was having a negative impact, we would act immediately,тАЭ the statement concluded.
