Former referee blasts decision to introduce ball steal rule after it gets shelved for 2022

Former Super League referee Ian Smith has taken to Twitter to show his displeasure at the introduction of the ball steal rule after the RFL Laws Committee agreed to get rid of it for 2022.

The ruling – which came into being ahead of the 2021 season – allowed players to steal the ball one-on-one after their teammates had dropped off the tackle.

It was a decision that wasn’t very popular at the time and still isn’t very popular and the Laws Committee has acted upon good faith to eradicate the ruling.

And, former top-flight referee Ian Smith has agreed with the decision, although he is keen to see it go now rather than the end of the season.

At least they are getting rid of the ridiculous ball steal rule but unfortunately we have to wait until start of next year but at least they have listened to public opinion on it. 🙏👍

— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) June 9, 2021

Absolutely agree. It was terrible all those years ago when we got rid of it. Thank god the laws committee have seen sense and reversed their poor decision to bring it back 🙏🙏👍👍👍

— Ian Smith (@Iansmith2468) June 9, 2021