Has the NRL's blocking the kicker 'trend' become too out of control?

By The Roar / Editor

The NRL360 panel highlighted a clear case of blocking by Knights forward Sauaso Sue on Eels half Mitchell Moses – and called for the referees to take action before it becomes costly.

The Crowd Says:

2021-09-19T09:09:03+00:00

Ian_

Roar Rookie


It's been going on for at least a couple of years. I hate it. It's really blatant when the blockers move late to get in the way of the chasers, or worse still, grab hold of them. Should be penalised out of existence. Another one that bugs me is teams who take the kicker to ground uneccessarily. Generally it will be slightly late, and they'll take them to ground gently. No harm done so never penalised, but does take the kicker out of play temporarily, unfairly.

2021-09-17T08:36:50+00:00

TIGER

Roar Rookie


If the referees intend to start penalising players this weekend (blocking for their kicker) it is imperative that it is made clear before tonight's game otherwise it will be just another chip at the NRL's integrity which is already a disgrace.

2021-09-16T06:44:43+00:00

Paul

Roar Guru


Triffic, many thanks

2021-09-16T05:52:15+00:00

Tony

Roar Guru


Hi Paul I understand that O'Brien was a ball playing lock or 5/8 while Arthur ended up in the back row after beginning his junior career as a half back.

2021-09-16T04:55:03+00:00

Paul

Roar Guru


hi Tony, can you help with a question I can't seem to find an answer for. What positions did Brad Arthur and Adam O'Brien play? I know neither played NRL level, but I assume they played juniors or what ever. I so, do you know what position they were? Many thanks in anticipation.

2021-09-15T23:53:38+00:00

Tony

Roar Guru


Except in that case

2021-09-15T18:59:10+00:00

MUCK

Roar Rookie


I really noticed it this year , it was starting to stand out so im not sure how the refs are missing it. I thought this was banned years ago , didnt they call them sleepers or something? Its not just protecting the kicker , it helps the dummy half as well , blocks the markers , basically a shepard .

2021-09-15T13:20:05+00:00

zonecadet

Roar Rookie


This has been a 'feature' of some teams' game for quite a few seasons now, why has no-one noticed it? Some teams do it an awful lot, I'm looking at you Penrith, some hardly at all. By the definition of the rule a lot of players impede the defender and should be penalised but maybe it's too much for one referee to see, what with everything else he's looking out for. Needs to be penalised out of the game and while they are at it they can start penalising 'escorts'. Worst offender used to be Brisbane but now almost every team has a player who'll do it, often clumsily, and hardly a whistle is blown.

2021-09-15T08:42:50+00:00

no one in particular

Roar Guru


Bennett was just trying to protect his rookie fullback from the high ball barrage, nothing else

2021-09-15T07:54:19+00:00

Paul

Roar Guru


All the runners have to do, according to Annerseley, is run into one of the blockers and fall down. Penalty to the defending team

2021-09-15T07:53:42+00:00

Big Daddy

Roar Rookie


Can anyone remember when the last penalty for an attacking player being off side . The last one I remember was when Steve Mortimer was playing. In saying that we'll get one this weekend to confide us even more.

2021-09-15T07:25:18+00:00

Womblat

Guest


Too late now. Can't change the rules this late. If they do it'll be proof positive they are making things up as they go, have no idea what they are doing, and pleasing the loudest crybabies is their only management skill. Much like our current social leaders.

2021-09-15T05:29:57+00:00

Big Mig

Roar Rookie


Bennett brought this to the NRL's attention with his "Please Explain Note" regarding Panthers tactics blocking Cleary. There was no action by the NRL. Then the Roosters did this for the Sam Walker FG winning a finals game as a result. No surprises the Spin Doctor Annesley backed the Rorters on their illegal FG blocks....no action. This is total incompetence by the NRL by defending such illegal blocks. Now come finals series its going to be s sh*t show.

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