I’ve noticed a trend this final series, and indeed this season. No, not that online betting companies have had more airtime than the game itself, a more quizzical one.
It seems that more and more players have been slow to get to their feet having received a high tackle which has been missed by the referee. More often than not, after a quick replay, the apparent high shot has been deemed illegal.
The victim then rises to their feet, and the attacking side march down the field on the back of the penalty. Curious, isn’t it?
This year the referees have been more liberal with allowing the video referee to review the play after the man being tackled has been slow to their feet.
MORE NRL GRAND FINAL:
» Issac Luke can only blame himself if he misses the final
» TURNER: Bulldogs will show bite in the Grand Final over the Bunnies
» Dally M: Sharing is caring as Thurston and Hayne share medal
» NRL Grand Final hub
» Hayne and Sutton to referee NRL Grand Final
It’s a legitimate move. There has been an increased focus on player safety (rightfully so), and obviously penalising high shots, whether deliberate or reckless, is a vital part of cracking down on dangerous play. But players have cottoned on.
In years gone by, the Paul Harragons and Spud Carrols would have hated to stay down and let their opponent get the best of them. Now it seems the benefit of an extra set of six is outweighing the value of bravado.
There have been occasions where referee microphones have picked up team mates encouraging the player to stay down, and grace the ref with the time to go upstairs and check the contact.
Can you blame the players? An extra set of six is invaluable to the side, not to mention the ground gained from the kick downfield.
I don’t doubt that some tackles that legitimately stun the players, and this is why we have the concussion rule. However, I feel a large portion know the review will go in their favour, so they bleed it out.
The concern is that the game is copping plenty of criticism for becoming soft. No one wants to see this go the way of soccer, with players foxing in order to receive the penalty advantage. So is it just another tactical part of the game that we need to accept?
Can you blame the ref? Officials, as much as we may wish they were, aren’t infallible. They have been known to occasionally miss the odd indiscretion.
If a player has committed a foul, is it not fair to stop to check the play, or is this just one step closer to the game being rule by the video ref and a TV remote?
The man in the middle is compelled to hold up play in order to make sure the player is uninjured, but should he be encouraging refs to ask players to rise to their feet, if he feels they can continue?
So I ask the Roarers, what’s your belief? Should they take the penalty or are they taking the piss? Is it ok to stay down, or shake it off, and give up the opportunity for the penalty?
Whichever way the NRL goes with handling this development, for the love of god and the game, please, impart a level or measurable consistency.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Canterbury's board have vowed to "vigorously defend" themselves against a $4 million civil case from former player Jackson Topine, amid claims he suffered a…
The only real selection debate for Billy Slater has been settled by Kalyn Ponga’s untimely foot injury. Newcastle’s captain was probably unlikely to get…
Back to the Future is the future for junior clubs In rugby league we are pretty good at looking back, so good that sometimes…
All the team list information for Round 8.
Tipping last round was supposed to be an easy one. But a Friday night of carnage ruined the round for most tipsters. The Warriors…
The younger brother of NRL star Nathan Cleary, Jett, has inked a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors to start in 2025. Cleary,…
