Ex-referee Richard Silverwood calls out current Super League rule

There has been plenty of controversy surrounding refereeing decisions in recent weeks since the inception of the new Super League season.

Among them has been the increasing severity of punishments for actions on the field, with more yellow and red cards appearing than ever before.

One rule which has caused some consternation over the past few years since its inclusion has been the six again.

Instead of a penalty given to one team, a referee can wave six again in a bid to speed up the game, unfortunately, this has often been exploited by defending sides trying to regroup.

Like former referee Richard Silverwood posted on his social media Twitter page: “That’s why the 6 again doesn’t work for me. Jack Walker wins the ruck and clear flop and delay allows Catalan to get set in defence and all they get is 6 again when it’s only tackle 1 anyway. Penalty and there in Catalans half.”

That's why the 6 again doesn't work for me. Jack Walker wins the ruck and clear flop and delay allows Catalan to get set in defence and all they get is 6 again when it's only tackle 1 anyway. Penalty and there in Catalans half.

— Richard Silverwood (@SilversRef) February 24, 2022

This was in reference to Leeds Rhinos’ home defeat to Catalans Dragons last night, which the French side won 10-4, with Leeds fullback Jack Walker unable to get a quick play of the ball as the Dragons held on to regroup – on tackle one.

When the six again regulation was brought in, it was expected to speed up the game, but it has sometimes caused more harm than good.