Grimmy wrote:It won't come up more than once in a season never mind a game. Basically it's closing a loophole that would have been created. Without this, someone could just kick it an inch with seconds left to allow a half/game to end rather than risk the opposition fielding the drop out. You could substitute the words 'in the opinion of the ref' before every rule tbf, they're all down to his/her judgement.

moto748 wrote:So, to be clear, that's all we're talking about here? Closing this infinitesimally small loophole (has it ever been used?), rather the NRL's current rules on short drop-outs?

The Reaper wrote:Yeah I get that, the problem with this current ruling is it actually encourages players to stay down if they've been hit high, because it will get reviewed and if they're right then they won't have to take a green card or a sub.

It definitely is a tough one to solve, there are pros and cons to all of the suggestions but obviously welfare does have to come above all. Thats why I think the best bet is to let the VR review the incident as play goes on, and then can advise the ref who can dish out any sanctions at the next stoppage in play. Of course this isn't ideal as you can be missing out on a pen but at least it stops the thought of "oh I'll stay down here and he might get a yellow/red" as if warranted then it'll happen regardless.