After watching the first round of the NRL, I noted the performance of the referees. While some were good, some were bad.
The Roosters got away with holding on to jerseys all game. Despite the referees continually telling them to let go, they persisted all game and were not penalised until Isaac Luke blew up.
They were the only team to do this out of the other 15 teams.
There were five occasions that the defenders were taken out under the high ball: the attackers going for the ball early, missing it, then dragging the defender to the ground before they even have the ball.
No penalties.
All we need now is contested scrums, and that will keep the forwards in the scrum and open up the backline plays.
Let’s hope the Referee’s Review Panel look at some of these aspects to make the game fairer for all.
lopati
Guest
Not forgetting (even though most hate scrums anyway) refs telling players to 'keeo their heads down' in the scrums if they want to keep the clock stopped, only to see one or two people sticking their heads up and look around, sure the other team is taking their time, but the point is the ref does nothing. Just like your first case, why bother to say something if you don't actually do it.