Leeds Rhinos legend Ryan Bailey slams new Super League regulations

The RFL’s Disciplinary Match Review Panel has been exercising its authority recently, banning the likes of Luke Gale for five games and James Bentley for four games.

Incidents such as scuffles and punching have been heavily punished with Gil Dudson getting three matches for a punch in Catalans Dragons’ defeat to St Helens in round one.

For former Leeds Rhinos heavyweight, Ryan Bailey, he made his feelings loud and clear on social media giant Twitter.

Bailey tweeted: “Rugby is dead, sin bins killing the game.”

Rugby is dead 💀 sin bins killing the game

— RYAN BAILEY (@BAILS168) March 12, 2022

The RFL has been determined to crack down on foul play and high shots since the beginning of the 2022 season.

With over 25 yellow and red cards already being brandished this Super League season, there have been concerns from some voices that the crackdown has been too strong, whilst others point to the necessity to protect the players.

However, in a bid to explain just why the rules have been strengthened, Disciplinary Match Review Panel chief Paul Cullen and the RFL’s Director of Operations and Legal, Karen Moorhouse, were special guests on a Thursday night extravaganza on Sky Sports.

And, Cullen revealed just how different the law is in 2022 with the removal of one word.

“On late contact, up until last year the wording in the guideline said excessive flexion but that has been taken out,” Cullen explained.

“Evolving scientific knowledge means we are responding and safeguarding the players on the field but we are also trying to make it attractive.

“Those claims relate to players years ago and they will be considered against the landscape at the time.

“That is something that’s happened, but what we’re concerned about now is what we know now and what the pubic expects now in terms of how we protect sportspeople.

“Whilst it is there in the background it isn’t driving what we are doing – it’s advice from medics in the industry.”