Premiership-winning coach Phil Gould says the NRL has blown the perfect opportunity to trial a number of radical rule changes during Saturday night’s dead rubber Gold Coast-St George Illawarra clash.

Among the innovations Gus would have loved to have seen in the 15th v 16th encounter are:

Twelve players per side

One referee

No seven tackle 20m sets

No scrums

The NRL never seriously considered trialling rule changes – fearing the integrity of the competition would be compromised.

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The bottom-of-the-table clash will be played under traditional rules before a small Gold Coast crowd and low television audience, much to Gould’s annoyance.

“They’ve (the NRL) known for a fortnight that game wasn’t going to mean anything at all,” he told the Six Tackles With Gus podcast.

“So why not experiment with a couple of rule changes just to get a look at it under game conditions?

“Throw it all in. Have a look at it. See if you like it. See what you like, see what you don’t like.

“It’s the game I would have done it in. People would watch it.

“It’s at least worth an experiment.”

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Gould is a big fan of losing a player from each side, arguing the dimensions of a rugby league field have not changed since its beginning while players are bigger, stronger and faster than ever and need more space.

He said: “I would like to see what it would look like – 12 on 12. It’s at least worth a look.

“And no scrums. They are a waste of time and an embarrassment to the game.

“I don’t believe in seven tackle sets. Why do you get 20m field advantage and an extra tackle? Why?

“The defensive team doesn’t deserve it.

“Saturday night is the go (to have a look at rule changes).”

Asked if changing rules for a competition match threatens the game’s integrity, Gus responded: “No, no. I guess the Dragons will be looking for a win to salvage something and the Titans are just waiting for someone to bring the hammer and end it all.

“I don’t know what appeal the game has to anyone other than those involved in that game who feel they need a win on their resume right at this point in time.

“I don’t know what to expect from that game.

“I don’t know how the commentators are going to commentate and make it interesting.”