Staying down

[josie andrews]

Barrie McDermott calls out officials for constantly going to the video referee

Barrie McDermott wasn’t happy with how often the video referee was utilised in today’s Super League games.

The Hull derby today, which was eventually won by Hull KR 24-10, saw plenty of incidents going to the video referee – as well as seeing four yellow cards: two for each team.

Barrie McDermott didn’t seem impressed with the officiating process, and tweeted after Elliot Minchella touching down was taken to the video referee: “I’m all for the video ref to check uncertainties but come on….”

The try was quickly awarded, and Mikey Lewis converted.

Lewis Martin’s try, also going to video referee, certainly seemed to be one that didn’t need to go to the replays also, as it was clear he hadn’t gone into touch – and far too long was spent checking a grounding that seemed similarly clear.

He then went on to commentate on Salford Red Devils’ trip to Catalans Dragons at Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan, and he continued to share his frustration at the process.

He said during the game after Catalans’ second try: “What are we actually checking?

“If the linesman is there and he’s not put his flag up, why are we going to the video referee?

“That’s a minute of my life I will never get back.”

The try was scored by Arthur Romano after kicks from Théo Fages and Fouad Yaha.

He also suggested that it was a trend across the game, saying: “It seems to be everyone at the minute the VR is to clear up if you’re and not sure not just in case…”

It may be that referees are worried about receiving abuse if they make an incorrect call – as social media abuse has been a real issue, especially of late.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/barrie-m ... ree-94729/

[josie andrews]

What the RFL must crack down on after Wigan St Helens clash

It’s rare that Wigan Warriors and St Helens fans agree on anything, but following a dramatic Super League derby clash yesterday, there was consensus on something the RFL must do.

A game where both sides were without key players, we still witnessed a classic at the Brick Community Stadium.

Saints took a surprise early lead against the run of play after Sironen, Robertson and Welsby together ensured their first break culminated in their first try of the night.

However, Zach Eckersley made a break of his own to ensure the Warriors went into half-time level.

Saints went ahead again through Waqa Blake, but Wigan won the game in the end after tries from Adam Keighran and Eckersley, who made it a night to remember in his fledgling career.

It was bad news, however, for Wigan Warriors on the injury front, as Bevan French will be out of action for around two months after tearing his hamstring.

What the RFL must crack down on after Wigan St Helens clash

The main controversy of the night came due to an early yellow card for St Helens man Matty Lees due to a tackle on Kaide Ellis.

Ellis took a while to get up after the tackle, holding his nose and mouth – and after this delay, Lees was sent for ten for a high tackle.

There have been suggestions tha

t it would have merely been a penalty if Ellis hadn’t stayed down, and that the video referee wouldn’t have had another look at it if he hadn’t done so.

Players from both sides were seen doing it throughout the game, prompting many to suggest that something should be done about it.

This is a phenomenon that has also been seen Down Under, and NRL has taken steps to decrease the number of players staying down.

The NRL Head of Football, Graham Annesley, has confirmed the ‘remote independent doctor’ will be ensuring that players who are “slow to stand” then undergo 15-minute head injury assessments.

This kind of thing may well come over to Super League in the coming years.

More on the NRL rule change can be found here.

https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/what-the ... ash-94679/

[Mike]

Referee challenge Aus use can soon sort that , heard it may be introduced next year

Really hope they do introduce it.

Yeah Captains challenge would fix the issue IMO. And now we can do it.

[Jonathon Kerr (JK)]

Issue slowly creeping into the NRL is that the player deliberately drops the ball following a head contact unseen, then when ref gives a knock-on captains challenge is done whereby the head contact is replayed for all to see. Captains challenge is successful and you also get the penalty. It’s only going to get worse.

If the ref doesn’t signal anything, then replays of the incident on the screen should be banned during the game.

[Mike]

Issue slowly creeping into the NRL is that the player deliberately drops the ball following a head contact unseen, then when ref gives a knock-on captains challenge is done whereby the head contact is replayed for all to see. Captains challenge is successful and you also get the penalty. It’s only going to get worse.

If the ref doesn’t signal anything, then replays of the incident on the screen should be banned during the game.

Surely if foul play has been committed and missed initially by the officials, its a good thing that its picked up on replay? It is against the rules after all?

[Jonathon Kerr (JK)]

I’m all for the video ref correcting an incorrect decision when there is a natural stoppage, but it’s the difference between a natural stoppage vs a forced one by a player.

One option is to mandate that every player that goes down for a head knock and requires the game to be stopped has to go off for a head assessment. For other injuries, we need to see the green card utilised a lot more.

[Wiganer Ted]

Nothing new about staying down. I can think of a certain player who's been doing it for years.
Not surprising he never went down when his team were well inside their opposition's half. Only when the opposition was attacking inside their 20 mtr area or so.

Should have been addressed years ago.
Still, better late then never!

[josie andrews]

Nothing new about staying down. I can think of a certain player who's been doing it for years.
Not surprising he never went down when his team were well inside their opposition's half. Only when the opposition was attacking inside their 20 mtr area or so.

Should have been addressed years ago.
Still, better late then never!

I wonder who that is Ted? Is he still playing wearing a red v?

[Wiganer Ted]

You may think so Josie but I couldn't possibly comment!

[Mike]

I’m all for the video ref correcting an incorrect decision when there is a natural stoppage, but it’s the difference between a natural stoppage vs a forced one by a player.

One option is to mandate that every player that goes down for a head knock and requires the game to be stopped has to go off for a head assessment. For other injuries, we need to see the green card utilised a lot more.

Frankly that should be happening now. If a player goes down dazed enough to warrant medical attention, I don't understand why they don't need an actual head check. It seems like a safety issue to me. It's more than just diving, I've seen so many players how are clearly unsteady just be allowed to play on and then have to come off for a head check later on. iMO these decisions cannot be left to club medicsz it has to be independent and if someone stays down as a result of head contact which results in medical attention they must go off for a check. I see no reason why that is unfair.