Canberra utility Josh McCrone insists controversial rule changes to curb wrestling won't turn the game into "touch football' as the Raiders consider fielding two dummy-half options to counteract faster ruck speed in 2015.
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While the 27-year-old is again being groomed for hooker, McCrone hasn't ruled out "another crack" in the halves.
Many coaches are frustrated the NRL has introduced a late rule, warning referees will penalise defenders who do not simultaneously release themselves from a ball carrier.
It's tipped to spark more dummy-half running. While the Raiders are likely to field two hookers in their 17, including a utility on the bench, the raiders now boast McCrone, incumbent rake Glen Buttriss and English recruit Josh Hodgson.
McCrone, one of the most experienced players in Canberra's Auckland Nines squad for this weekend, doesn't expect drastic changes because of the rule change.
"Every year there seems to be some changes and after about a month it goes back to the same footy we played the year before," he said. "It's going to be up to interpretation and how the ref sees it. I can't see too much changing from last year to be honest."
McCrone's days in the halves appear to be numbered.
He was benched by coach Ricky Stuart after a "shocker" against Cronulla in round 24 last year and Mitch Cornish and Anthony Milford took over the playmaking spots for the rest of the year. The Raiders have also added halves Blake Austin and Sam Williams to their roster in the off-season.
"Everyone has poor performances. It was just unfortunate it was my last game [in the halves] and I haven't been given another crack there again," McCrone said.
"I'll get another crack and I'll atone for that. I've played nearly 130 games and only had one real shocker."
McCrone's wife Courtney last week gave birth to the couple's second child - son Archie Thomas - and he admitted it will be tough to leave his newborn to play in the Nines.
"I missed out last year and am excited to go over, but it's a catch 22, leaving a new baby," he said.
"I was pretty excited just watching it last year, so I'm pretty pumped to have a crack."
McCrone said he's looking forward to how Canberra's youngsters handle the big stage in Auckland, in particular centre Haydon Hodge and Lachlan Croker.
Teenage half Croker has impressed training with the top squad, while Hodge is on the comeback trail after taking a year off on medical advice with a damaged knee.
"I've been surprised how well Hodgey's come back. When he left he could barely run," McCrone said. "He'll be exciting to watch, especially at Nines. He's quicker now than when he left."
McCrone said the Raiders were training with confidence, crediting recruit Iosia Soliola for helping instil a competitive drive.
"This year definitely has a different feel to any year I've had at Canberra yet," McCrone said.
"The intensity at training has lifted at least 50 per cent. Everyone seems a bit more composed and relaxed in their job, everyone's walking around with a bit more confidence this year.
"Sia [Soliola] is probably the main drive for that intensity in the scrimmages. He's very competitive and it's starting to rub off on a lot of the boys."
