Parramatta half-back Brett Finch says rugby league is heading down a boring path thanks to the increasing importance placed on slowing down the ruck area.
Finch’s comments came after the Eels fumbled to a dour 16-4 win over the struggling Cowboys at Parramatta Stadium last night to keep their finals flame flickering.
An Eels penalty goal was the only points scored in the second half, as the home side continued to waste possession with countless wayward attacks in a performance far from what was needed to ignite their post season campaign.
A depleted Cowboys also offered little in attack, contently welcoming repetitive waves of bash and crash football by the hosts in front of a disappointing crowd of 7,253.
Finch says the importance of dominating the ruck area has forced sides to abandon more free-flowing rugby league.
“I think that is just the way the game is heading now with the ruck,” he told reporters in the post match media conference.
“You got to get through your sets and wrestle well.
“It’s is a boring game now because you just can’t afford to turn over cheap possession.”
“It was a boring game to play in and I’m sure a boring game to watch.”
Finch says the success of teams like Cronulla is testament to how the game has changed.
The Sharks, who are sitting in third spot despite a similarly uneventful loss to Brisbane last night, have scored the least points and made the least line-breaks in the NRL.
“They are on the top of the table because they grind so well and give you nothing,” Finch said.
“That’s is just the way the game is heading and if you don’t play that way you get left behind.”