I can just see Powell's comments about cheating to "combat" cheating backfiring, and Cas'll end up being the first team to be penalised for it.

The RFL has addressed it with immediate effect

“The following additions / amendments to 2019 referee policy have been introduced with immediate effect:

Placing the ball on the defender lying on the ground – It is the responsibility of the player playing the ball to place the ball on the ground at their feet. If necessary the player should step backwards to ensure this can be done. OUTCOME – If the ball is placed on the tackler, this will be ruled a knock-on.

Moving off the mark / stepping over to deliberately place the defender in the ruck - It is the responsibility of the player playing the ball to place the ball on the ground at their feet, and not to advance off the mark - if necessary the player should step backwards. OUTCOME – The player in possession will be penalised for moving off the mark if deliberately stepping over a defender to place them in the ruck.

Playing the ball into a defender in the ruck – The player playing the ball should maintain balance and control when heeling the ball to the acting half-back.OUTCOME - In this situation the player in the ruck will be penalised if hit by the ball - or if in the opinion of the referee the half-back is prevented from picking the ball up. EXCEPTION – A penalty will be awarded against the player playing the ball if the ball is forcibly heeled back with the intention of contacting the defending player with the ball.

Passing into an opposing player – Any ball passed into an opposing player in and around the ruck, in any direction, will be deemed to be acting against the spirit of the game. OUTCOME - The passer will be immediately penalised.

Steve Ganson, the RFL’s Head of Match Officials, explained: “A number of high-profile incidents during and before the Easter weekend have shown certain teams or players acting contrary to the spirit of the game, in a manner that has infuriated fellow professionals, broadcasters and, crucially, supporters.

Happy with this outcome,what’s the betting Gigot is first to be penalised for this,he as been by far the worse for milking these penalties it will be hard for him not to do it.

What have we learned here?

If you want something done by the RFL, post your grievance on the VT.

About time. This has been turning a lot of people against the game. What Shenton did was embarrassing, but it actually looks like it might have done the trick! Now just to start penalising players diving on the floor at the PTB trying to milk a penalty and we might just move the game forward.

Just the ridiculous, inconsistent and pathetic obstruction rule, plus the holding players down at the PTB to go and we might, just might, get our game back.

Either way, hats off for once to the RFL for moving to solve one of the major gripes of the modern game, and having the balls to do it mid season.