Having a browse around the forums today apparently Wellens gave the ball a good soaking before a kick off yesterday. I noticed Hardaker do the same thing against us recently at 12 all. Not something I had ever noticed before is this something new that’s crept in as a tactic or just something I’ve never noticed.

Personally can’t see it should really make any difference just wondered what people thought.

It's a bit like James Graham covering himself in Vaseline last year, nothing illegal about it but maybe 'not cricket'. Personally can't wetting the ball making all that difference though.

I seem to recall a story about Phil Chadwick (an old trainer / conditioner of ours) actually greasing the ball.

wouldn't most of the moisture/water come off the ball as its flying through the air?

And in the heat right now, you'd expect it to be dry in under a minute. Sounds like a whine from nothing to me.

But what happens if the ball is lost in the very first tackle after it?

I think a scrum would be awarded if someone drops the ball.

Isn't the issue about the ball being wetted when kicking off to the opposition? At this time of year the time to dry on the tee, followed by the flight through the air would dry the ball off by the time it gets to the recipient. Besides, we play in the rain, it can't be THAT much of a disadvantage to have a wet ball or we'd call off every game with a bit of drizzle.

Matty Smith catches the kick off anyway. Complete non-issue.

It was the grease from Matty Smith's hair that caused Wigan to drop the ball. He needs some head & shoulders that boy.

a very good question, an even better question would be...why should chris bridge have been sent off that time?