This a major bugbear of mine, if they're going to give a knock-on even when the ball goes backwards they may as well just introduce some sort of a "fumble" rule, at least that way we won't get regular half-baked decisions where balls that clearly go backwards are pulled up, whilst every now and again balls that are genuine knock-ons get a play on.

we gotta be careful we dont get what we wish for here!

atm the VR is only for Tries and for 40/20 decisions not for any other decision throughout the game. I think if they were to introduce something like this it'd be the thin end of the wedge - it wouldn't be long and they'd be checking for all kinds of errors and indiscretions. The game would never flow, and itd end up liek Gridiron!

leave it as it is I say!

I think the answer is much more simple than that - at the moment they are quite strict on a knock-on decision; I'd say just be less strict. If it looks like it went back or there is some conjecture or doubt, play on. I'm not saying ignore knock-ons but if it goes back or there is a strong suggestion it went back or if there is genuine doubt, etc etc, call it a knock-on. Then allow play to continue.

I dont think it'd mean many changes, maybe only one in every four would be a play on call as a result but I think thats about right. this way there are no rue chages but the refs are just a little more lenient. I'm not sure if there is an edict from RFL match officials dept which contradicts that but surely its worth a thought, especially when we all want to see the ball in play more. It would lower the number of stoppages as well I think.

its a bugbear of mine too. surely a knock on mean knocked onwards/forwards. when i was at bradford for the crusaders win there was a shocker of a call, knock on given if memory serves me correctly from a kick guy jumps up fluffs the catch and the ball goes easily 3 yds backwards but a knock on was still given