Quote: G1 "Not a rant at Silverwood but I think referees are getting the interpretation of a ball steal completely wrong. IMO, they do not emphasize the onus of the ball carrier to retain the ball. There were a few examples last night (which were were on the bad end of) of players virtually releasing the ball to a defender and being given a penalty.
IMO, the edit should go out that unless the referee is absolutely certain there was a ball steal benefit should go to the defenders.
Anyway, the Rhinos reaction to the referee and perceived poor decisions has always been the same under McLennan. It's plain dumb and unprofessional of players like Burgess and Senior to make such public comments, whether they're right or not. Just what do they expect to gain from it?'"
We were discussing this point last night to great extent.
Players are taught to attack the ball in a tackle, it covers the off load option and, if the attacker is positioned right can prevent the ball carrier advancing.
But… what if the attacking player intentionally loosens their grip on the ball?
If you get it just right the ball gets ‘ripped out’ and I look’s like a blatant ball steal.