It is absolutely rubbish that no one plays the ball on the mark. I have noticed it creeping in for a while, but last night Penrith made at least 10-15 meters most sets of six.
The referee calls “you shortened it”. All well and good, but most of the time it takes out the markers. They are either offside due to not being square, due to the player playing the ball being three metres past where he got tackled, or the player playing the ball is holding onto the marker.
Either way it needs to be stopped. It is either a penalty for not playing it on the mark or it is a penalty for obstruction.
The commentators were saying that the Dragons were being beaten at the ruck (and the Panthers were the better team), but one of the main reasons being two men taken out most tackles due to moving forward off the mark play.
juanita
Guest
It is not only walking forward off the mark but teams regularly walk to the side to allow the dummy half a clearer passage.Cronulla employ this effectively to ensure quick play the ball advantage. The refs then penalise the marker for not being square. Ironically, the teams that employ it regularly arent doing so well.
Bemused
Guest
I think it went the same time as the scrums
Billo Boy
Guest
Usually does the whole show.
ptovey01
Roar Pro
Is he on for the whole time or justs certain period? They need to do something about it sharply.
Billo Boy
Guest
Been complained about all season long. The referees let the player walk forward and then penalise the markers. It's wrong. How come the fans can see it but the NRL referees can't is perplexing. You wonder what they watch at their Monday video sessions. Bill Harrigan will be on 2SM on Thursday from 3 - 7pm. Think I will phone up and ask.