Penalties

Something that seems to have become more prevalent in the game over the past few years (probably a decade) has been the importance of penalties. So much so that players in league, like in soccer seem to be playing for them. Milking the odd call has always been in the game but not to the extent it is seen now. Hold a defender by the shirt and you’ll get the holding down call. Feel a defenders hand on the ball, drop it and it’ll be called a strip.The reason for these tactics, I think, is because the advantage gained from small infringements like these is far too great. It’s an easy way to get 30-50 metres downfield and get another set to attack from deep in opposition territory. This is an area where I think league could borrow from the NFL rule book. Penalties in the NFL result in a set territorial gain (usually 5 or 10 yards) and the tackle count (downs) are restarted. The onus is still on referees to make the right call of course, but if something similar was to be introduced to league, I think the reduction in benefit gained from milking penalties would reduce the amount of it we see.For small infringement such as holding down, stripping the ball and offside, give the attacking team 10 meters and restart there count, or if within the opposition 20, just a restart of the tackle count. Still allow kicks for touch or goal for malicious penalties like high or spear tackles.Thoughts?

"Don't take the knights out of the equation, they have lost their best 3 players for the season and their coach is a dead man walking, the only thing they have going for them is they have a bye.
The last game of the season could be an official…"

"Agreed, Titans are in freefall with a dead man walking as coach. We should be saved as long as we don't have cricket scores put on us by the Raiders or Storm as it may come down to for and against."

Replies

Dennis October 11, 2010 at 12:10pm

Some great ideas there dean85.... I watch alot of the NFL and have never thought about introducing there 5 and 10 metre penalties into our great game... But I think it would work.... Penalties and the ammount of metres teams are recieving from them is ridiculous... They basically win teams games and it shouldn't be the case.. Look at the dragons this year in the semi final series ? I'm not sure the exact figure but I'm sure that when u add up there penalties compared to the oppositions in the last 3 games of the season that they were well ahead in that area....something needs to be done obout giving teams such an advantage in receiving a penalty and ur idea could be on the money!!
Dean85 October 11, 2010 at 1:02pm

Cheers Dennis..
EeLmatiC October 11, 2010 at 1:23pm

Thoughts?

All I can think about when you say milking penalties is the man himself, Milkman Soward!
boffin October 11, 2010 at 1:43pm

Great idea Dean85 a set distance like when back chatting the ref gets you 10 meters. Only change I would make is that any loss of the ball whilst in possession it deemed a bad carry and that will get rid of the inconsistent calls from referees regarding who is at fault the defender or the attacking player. Also a set distance will speed up the play no loss of time waiting for teams to decide who is kicking the ball out and waiting for it to return and also no loss of advantage if the kicker doesn't kick it out on the full like Parra did so many times last season.
Wombat October 11, 2010 at 1:47pm

I know people don't like copying union, but Bent arm penalties would work really well in league.
Bent arms in Union your options are tap, or scrum.

I agree in what u say, it takes one silly move from a defender and the play will start 50m up the feild.
parraborn! October 11, 2010 at 4:09pm

wtf, you should put Scott Princess there not Jamie Soward.
Bourbon Man October 11, 2010 at 4:58pm

Couldn't agree more Dean. Something I've wanted to see introduced for years now! Glad to know I'm not the only one!
blueNgold October 11, 2010 at 5:13pm

If I'm going to be honest and not biased, ^ needs more Hayne.
- Parraeels12 > blueNgold October 11, 2010 at 5:23pm
  
  :O:O:O:O
  
  take it back :P
blueNgold October 11, 2010 at 5:17pm

Yes definetely something the NRL should look into over the next few years. Penalties are now becoming too much of a deciding factor in games and when there are so many grey areas + mistakes by referees it is costing to many teams competition points. It just makes sense to interpret differring penalty scenarios under different lights.

of 2

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs

Penalties

Replies

More stuff to read

Eels blogs

BACK TO THE FUTURE (WHICH IS NOW)

Averillo

Who getting the spoon

Egg and spoon race,

Note: this page contains paid content.

Social Blogs

LUKE METCALF

NSW Origin Squad 2025

I say if we lose this week against Newcastle we will come last

Jim Sarantinos on SEN: Moses an outside chance before R9

Note: this page contains paid content.