'Tunnel Ball' Targeted

[HoldenV8]

It seems that the NRL is going to crack down on players who don't play the ball properly. About bloody time IMO. For far too long players have been getting away with illegal, so-called play the balls where they just push it between their legs without it touching the foot.

Still, knowing the NRL by Round 4 it'll be forgotten about.....

http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/pl...k/news-story/ed5c75938644f0a9e31bf57ba7c5c164

 

[MissKate]

How many consultants did the nrl have to pay to come up with that initiative. You are right it will last 3-4wks and the worst offenders will be exempt anyway

 

[jbb/james]

For the umpteenth tine they do this ****. If the refs just didnt get slack all the freakin time,they wouldnt have to have think tanks to re invent the wheel every few years.

 

[cherry_poppins]

Watmong won't like this

 

[Killer03]

We all know what will happen. A crackdown for a week or two, with massive penalties for a couple of games, then the refs slacken off and it creeps back in. These crackdowns never work for one simple reason, the coaches (and players) know it won't last.

 

[sheridanstand78]

There will be 3 weeks of crackdown and then they will ignore it as they always do. I wish they would do something about players walking off the mark in the play the ball cause that is far worse.

 

[Mal Cochrane]

following on from the above, and then in an elimination final, a team will lose the game because a ref decided to penalise it again right in front of the posts

 

[robbiea]

The NRL tackling the big issues again !!

 

[Jethro]

We all know what will happen. A crackdown for a week or two, with massive penalties for a couple of games, then the refs slacken off and it creeps back in. These crackdowns never work for one simple reason, the coaches (and players) know it won't last.

and those massive penalties will probably be against Manly again as per usual.

 

[eagle66]

short term crackdown, yes, but I am sure it centre over a few teams.we have seen it before, certain teams will get advantages

 

[master blaster]

Watmong won't like this

and Sam Moa as well,he,s an expert in this area

 

[Jase Seaeagle]

Half of the Bullfrogs won't like this

 

[Rex]

It's more like a knock-on than an obstruction play. A penalty doesn't fit the severity of this "crime", especially when it can be a 50/50 call by the ref - sometimes called, sometimes not.

Should be a turnover, not a penalty.

 

[Frank]

Same sh!t, different year

 

[HoldenV8]

The problem I see is that the refs are going to be blowing penalties in almost every set of six if they really do crack down on it.

You can bet that players will get away with it if it 'looks' like they are playing it with their feet. But hopefully it will stop players simply stepping over the ball (which should also attract a penalty for walking off the mark) or just rolling it between their legs with their hands.

 

[KOMORI]

and those massive penalties will probably be against Manly again as per usual.

Won't be just Manly: certain teams and Teflon type players will be ignored no matter how bad they look, others will get hammered..

 

[MWSE]

The whole Roosters team has to be the most consistent offenders in this area of the game. Consistently gets them quick play the balls

 

[HoldenV8]

It will be interesting to see what happens.

When we played Cronulla in the final round of 2015.....I personally counted well over 100 play the balls that were illegal at best (looking at YOU Mr A. Fifita). And we were just as guilty as they were if truth be told.

 

[PONTIAN SEA EAGLE]

Well sam burgess & watmough should retire now.

 

[Brissie Kid]

Walking of the mark is just a big an advantage. Do something useful NRL and fix that.