The Penrith Panthers requested for information regarding the new rules regarding contact with the head in Super League, prior to their World Club Challenge game against Wigan Warriors.
According to NRL.com, the Panthers had a meeting with RFL officials to discuss the new rules. In Round One of Super League, 16 players were charged under the new rules, and nine players were banned. Three more players are likely to follow suit after appearing before a tribunal.
Co-captain Nathan Cleary told NRL.com: “There’s still a few [rules] we need to tidy up on, we were just asking about a couple today.
“We obviously know it’s going to be different. Again, it’s difficult because at the end of the day it sort of comes down to the adjudication of the ref and how they’re going to ref it.
“Some things you’ll just know on the day, particularly in terms of time in the ruck, flopping in and all that sort of stuff.
“I saw there were so many send-offs in the Super League at the weekend. It was almost like us in 2021, there was that crackdown in Magic Round. There was heaps of people getting sin binned and all that.
“We’ll just be telling the boys ‘don’t hit anyone in the head’! We don’t want to be losing anyone. You shouldn’t be doing that anyway. I think we’ll be alright.”
It was later confirmed that these rules will be laxed in the game prompting former official Richard Silverwood to say on X: “Does this happen in any other sports where by different rules apply? Rugby league should be one set of laws and guidelines wherever you play in the globe. It’s just ridiculous all round for Wigan to adjust back and the match officials.”
Super League rules won’t be in force for World Club Challenge
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 17/02/2019 – Rugby League – World Club Challenge – Wigan Warriors v Sydney Roosters – DW Stadium, Wigan, England – Betfred World Club Challenge trophy.
The game will take place at the Wigan Warriors’ home ground, following international rules. This implies that there will be no two-point field goals, and any ruck infringements will result in a six-again call, irrespective of where they occur on the field.
In 2022, the World Cup in England featured captain’s challenges, but this feature is absent from the Super League. This is likely to be a topic of discussion between the Panthers and the Rugby Football League.
Co-captain Isaah Yeo said he did not expect the edict on high shots to carry over from Super League.
“I think we go off international rules there,” he said. “It felt like you can get away with a bit more in the ruck and slow it down a little bit going off last year’s World Club Challenge.
“They probably put the whistle away too. They want to make it a good spectacle. It’s a bit like a finals game as well.
“I feel like there won’t be too much that’s different. In Super League they’re really cracking down on stuff to do with the head. That’s probably a good thing.”
Penrith will battle Super League Champions Wigan Warriors on Saturday night at 8 pm.
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