{"id":533697,"date":"2026-03-11T16:58:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:58:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/533697\/"},"modified":"2026-03-11T16:58:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T16:58:31","slug":"nrl-warns-coaches-over-disrupters-rucks-late-contact-play-the-balls-and-scrums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/533697\/","title":{"rendered":"NRL warns coaches over disrupters, rucks, late contact, play the balls and scrums"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NRL<\/a> have sent a warning to coaches after a review of Round 1, with a number of refereeing controversies seemingly set to be cleared up.<\/p>\n

Dating back to the Las Vegas games and moving into the final six of Round 1, referees were a hot topic of conversation, particularly around late and high contact, while other rules, including the disrupter, had plenty of discussion.<\/p>\n

Channel 9s Danny Weidler has revealed that a note has been sent to all clubs and coaches regarding the issues, with more clarity hoped for heading into the remainder of the season.<\/p>\n

Of note, disrupters, which has earnt plenty of discussion, have been clarified to the point that players must use two hands and be making a genuine attempt to legally bat back the ball in an aerial contest. A one-handed effort will not be seen as genuine, and will be penalised.<\/p>\n

The NRL<\/a> are also looking to increase the speed of rucks heading into the coming rounds, with the review reportedly finding a number during Round 1 which should have been penalised or awarded a six again.<\/p>\n

Late contact on kickers and after a pass has also been acknowledged as a let down in Round 1, with plenty going unpenalised. The NRL<\/a> have confirmed they will be more strict in this department moving forward.<\/p>\n

The NRL<\/a> have also confirmed they will be taking more of a strict approach to play the balls done incorrectly, players not clearing the ruck, and baulking at scrums instead of feeding them straight away.<\/p>\n

Captain and player communication will also be under the microscope, with the scope for more penalties to be given for backchat.<\/p>\n

BREAKING: NRL puts coaches on notice after round one. Here is the note they were sent:
Coaches, the following points were reviewed by all Match Officials.
\u00a0
Disrupters\u00a0 – The intent of this law is to provide a more competitive kick contest.
\u00a0
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2022\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A player must make a\u2026<\/p>\n

\u2014 Danny Weidler (@Danny_Weidler) March 11, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The NRL<\/a> brought in a number of new rules and interpretations throughout the off-season, some as recently as the week of the first games in Las Vegas, leaving teams with little time to prepare.<\/p>\n

Billy Slater<\/a>, speaking on Wide World of Sports, said that at times, referees would have trained for one standard, and players another during the off-season.<\/p>\n

It could lead to a far cleaner game in the coming weeks, although adjustments for clubs may well take time.<\/p>\n

Round 2 kicks off with the Brisbane Broncos<\/a> facing the Parramatta Eels<\/a> on Thursday evening.<\/p>\n

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