Good points, in that case a much simpler and cheaper solution would be to place some gaffa tape over the gob of anyone who enters the field of play whilst the game is underway who isn't a player or an official.

I think this is a great rule, although would argue that it needs applying to some of the "officials" too.

Remember Gary Mercer, he spent more time on the pitch with a water bottle than he ever did playing rugby.
It doesn't matter if we're winning, but the laying on was ridiculous as was the "american football"

It's Colin Sanctuary who comes on for us with the water bottles and not a coach.

It was picked up during the Brisbane game at the weekend by the commentators, Allan Langer was on the pitch all the time coaching the players. At one point, I think it was Stirling who said that "Alfie is going to put a player through a gap in a minute".

If we still had Nigel Wright then he could do this for us, it's part of the modern game like it or not.

It won't be long until someone develops a scrum cap with built in ear phones, with a direct feed to the coach in the stands, NFL style.

Was it the same water carrier who ran in front of the kicker as he was getting ready during the Saints game, good old Mr Hampson?

It was Mike Forshaw in previous seasons who was never off.

Simple solution is that they are not allowed on unless they are carrying water, and are not allowed to speak to a player. Or something.

To be fair to Maguire, the pie eaters have been using the "14th man" to direct play since Brian Noble was there (most of the time with former Wakefield player Mike Forshaw being the "guilty" man).

when Forshaw ran in front for the saints kicker it just proves to what lengths Wigan are prepared to drop to so the can retain the league

it not difficult is it, two water boys on either side of the side line for each team waiting for players to come to them instead

I don't have a problem with in-game coaching. It's just the sight of the extra man that niggles me.

Doesn't really bother me but when Waterboys are pointing the predicted direction of play out like Albert Talipeau did then it makes the game look a laughing stock.

Rugby - whether its union or league - is dominated not only by the most skillful, strongest and aggresive , but also by the best cheats. Not your football type of cheat - sly and dishonest - but noble and sometimes admirable cheats. Blokes who are prepared to put bodies and limbs in dangerous areas, and even their place on the pitch, all for the cause of their team and mates. Of course, referees don't always recognise the craftiness so the players will get away with what they can - and that includes the 'whole team' !

With respect - my ar5e; there is nothing noble or admirable about the style of play that has emanated out of Wigan in the Maguire era; it makes for a singularly unedifying spectacle and is bad for the game.

With respect my comment was not about Wigan in particular but rather a generic comment about achieving success in a highly competitive game. You are indeed right, some of the Wigan tactics have been unsightly and unwelcome - chicken whatever its called, tackling at stationary knees - but i still stand by 'noble cheats' from both codes who were also great players - Dallaglio, Farrell, Ellery, Martin Johnson and of course many others!