I'd agree entirely with that - pretty much common sense! We may already have a 7 in Jeffries anyway, and IMO its anyway a 6 we really need.

According to Robbie Paul's analysis on the SLS today, this was a new rule brought in at the beginning of this season (if so, I don't remember reading about it).

Neither do any of the players or coaching staff

I'm only using that because its the only explanation I have as to why others have gotten away with it.

This version is dated 2004 and has the "out of play" rule in so methinks Wobbie might be talking pap.

rlhttps://www.therfl.co.uk/~therflc/clientdocs/rugby_laws_book_2004_.pdfrl

It's pretty black and white in the rules, don't think making an effort comes into it, unless it's in a later version than the one I looked at.

Dunno though.

I dont think it is in the rules but would possibly show that refs interprete the rules to suit or even ignore some.

That's what I thought. Normally any new rule interpretations are well documented at the beginning of the season.

That's correct.

Not even once.

It probably won't stop certain posters implying it happens at every turnover in every game, even though (apart from the isolated instance they saw with Webb on Friday) they can't recall any other actual examples.

If it makes you feel better, Saints lost the Championship in 1993, when Wigan were virtually untouchable, due to this rule. Good Friday, ironically, at Central Park, Allan Hunte stood in front of the ptb and we were penalised. Botica, as usual, kicked the goal and it was an 8 8 draw. Saints had scored two tries to Wigans one and only lost the title on points difference. Hunte, unlike Webb, hadnt got involved in play. Awful day for a Saints fan even though a draw at Wigan was some achievement in those days we knew we had to win. Our coach thet day was Mike MacLennan, so it may be a family curse

But didn't you hear 'little Wobbie' on the Super League Show, it's a new rule for this season.