Fans have been warned to brace for a crackdown with complaining players and slow rucks in the referees’ crosshairs.
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There were over 30 set restarts in Round one 2025 with that number ballooning up over 60 to start this season.
This was attibuted to a change in the rules for 2026 which has seen set restarts awarded for certain infringements between the 20 metre lines, replacing the previous 40-metre threshold.
The number of restarts could increase again according to Code Sports Michael Carayannis.
On Wednesday morning the NRL reportedly sent clubs and coaches an email on warning the ruck would be a focus for referees in Round 2.
It also put teams on notice that it would not tolerate players rushing the referee the complain about decisions.
“The referees have reviewed several slow rucks in round one that, upon reflection, should have been a penalty or set restart depending on field position … You can expect a high focus on this area,” the email read.
Other areas of focus include: doubling down on players disrupting aerial contests, penalties for contact on kickers if deemed late, high or dangerous, late contact and the play the ball.
It led to strong commentary from NRL360 co-hosts Gorden Tallis and Braith Anasta.
Tallis said officials should use the Thursday night blockbuster between the Parramatta Eels and Brisbane Broncos to set a precedent.
“Coaches try and do it because they want to control the fatigue in their side,” Tallis said.
“I’ll tell you what happens on Thursday night, they’ll just send them to the bin. That’ll be the standard for the rest of the weekend.
Anasta said some of the opening round scores were a concern for the NRL.
“The scores blowing out, that’s what concerns me. I don’t want to see them change the rules to make the game better but then there are blowout scores and the game is over with 20 minutes to go,” he said.
Carayannis also brought up how the league will strongly come down on players who approach referees at unapproved times of the game or if they’re not the captain.
“One of the key takeaways (of the NRL’s email) was warning against any players going up to the referee and speaking to them,” Carayannis said.
“Wyatt Raymond copped a barrage but Teddy wasn’t alone, there were plenty of Roosters players in the referee’s face.
“What the NRL have said is that only the captain can approach the ref and only during when a try has been awarded, if there is an injured player or at half time.”
Originally published as ‘Copped a barrage’: NRL crackdown email revealed as Roosters act sparks big change