So the refs have been given the green light to stamp out wrestling. My first thought is: Why the **** didn't they crack down during the trials?!?!? From what I hear it was the same old bullshit, three or four in a tackle, peel off one-by-one. IMO, when the ref says held, the tacklers should get two seconds, max, before the tackled player is able to stand up and play it unimpeded. Too many tacklers for that to happen? Too bad. Can't get on-side in time? Too bad.
NRL coaches warned the penalties will be severe for wrestling
THE NRL is preparing to launch a major crackdown aimed at minimising “the wrestle” this season, with all clubs warned to expect to be penalised for bending the rules.
In the countdown to the season kick-off on Thursday, NRL head of football Todd Greenberg has given referees a green light to enforce the new “interpretation” about when a tackled player must be released.
With coaches guaranteed to blow up at heavy penalty counts over the opening rounds, Greenberg has reminded all clubs the NRL will not be backing down.
The rule change has already created outrage among rival coaches, with many fuming about Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson and Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett being privy to the new “interpretation” change prior to the rest of the NRL two days before Christmas.
Some coaches even threatened to boycott their next annual conference, but Greenberg maintains the NRL has been working with the clubs to ensure a smooth-as-possible transition.
Fundamentally, the NRL has designed the rule change to try to eradicate or lessen the influence of wrestling tactics in the game.
“If our referees need to blow penalties, they will,” Greenberg said.
“Our referees have spent countless hours with all clubs over pre-season, running through the finer points of this interpretation change. This will not come as any surprise to the coaches and to the clubs.
“The referees know that they have our full support to implement and to properly police these changes. Dave Smith (CEO) and I are right behind Tony Archer and his squad.
“This is certainly not something we see as a short-term change. These decisions are not taken lightly and this was discussed at length by the competition committee and thought through vigilantly.
“We see enormous benefits in this interpretation change, not least being the potential for less wrestling in the game.
“I have no doubt that the coaches and the players will look to push the boundaries in the early rounds but we are very clear on our direction.
“There should be no ambiguity for the players, the coaches and the clubs.”
The Sunday Telegraph as been told all clubs were visited by NRL referees over the course of the past two months, with many using wrestling coaches to question the whistleblowers about what was acceptable during opposed *sessions.
The new season will commence on Thursday night with premiers South Sydney travelling to meet the Broncos in Brisbane where Bennett has returned to the helm as head coach.