I'm ok with the new standing the mark rule, really, its about time that got fixed up. I'm not too sure if it was designed to stop Cotchin (specifically) from moving laterally on the mark or not, I think he was one player out of hundreds doing it!
What I am getting narky about (already) is how long it is taking the umpires to call play on when the kicker goes off the line! Its only round 3 & already I can think of many times when the kicker has cribbed around laterally & then runs off leaving the man on the mark stranded until the umpire gets around to calling play on!
Don't get me started on 'Buddy's arc' either! It has always been tolerated but it has always been against the rules! Its called 'his natural arc' because it is his typical kicking style, but he only does it because he gets a 10 metre advantage on the kick! Of course he wants that longer kick, but now the new rule should mean that Buddy has to stay on the line too or be called to play on. Buddy is not the only 'arcer' out there either, now the new rules have to cut both ways!
If the umpires positioned themselves in line (behind the kicker) they would be more able to see the kicker shuffling off the line so they can call play on quicker. If the umpires have the time to make sure the player is standing on precisely the right spot to man the mark then they have time to get behind the kicker too!
The new rules are good, but make they cut both ways!