Two games on the trot now (Higson this week, Dawson last week) we have kicked/slapped the ball out of play when under pressure from the chasing player, after the opposition have kicked the ball forward on the free play. Each time the ref has awarded the opposition a scrum 40 meters further up field. If we had just taken possession of the ball the ref would have had to bring the play back to where the original knock on took place. This could cost us points unless the players get wise to it.

I think the players are wise to it.
The Ben Crooks try showed the real issue-
Knocking the ball out of play versus trying to regain possession and the risk of making a mistake and conceding a try.
The player has to make this judgment at speed and under pressure.
Given the lack of attacking threat from Warrington last night, I'd say AJ made the right choice.

I thought as soon as the team that knocked on touched the ball again after the initial knock on, play was then stopped?

I never looked at it like that Keith. I just looked at it as a mistake but you are right. You only have to look at Ben Crooks try.

Free play, love the idea of this, they don't use it in the NRL

Free play, love the idea of this, they don't use it in the NRL, they trialled in the NRL 9's in February and a lot of players got confused. I know its old hat in the UK
but in slippy conditions and a ball bobbling about with attackers hunting you down you don't take chances. Hence the reason that some in goal defenders don't take chances better to back your defence than try and be the superstar and gift the opposition a try .... ala Crooks

Fact it was a free play was irrelevant, getting possession of the ball would always be preferable but sometimes have to play it safe.