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Message: [QUOTE="Super Freak, post: 2907891, member: 8536"] [SIZE=6][B]Todd Greenberg warns NRL players that poor play-the-balls won’t be tolerated[/B][/SIZE] NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has issued a stern warning to all players that incorrect play-the-balls won’t be tolerated by the referees this year. Following a record 14 penalties for poor play-the-balls in the season’s opening trial between Newcastle and Melbourne, Greenberg said the code was determined to stop the concerning trend of players not making a genuine effort to touch the ball with their foot. He confirmed all NRL coaches were told of the crackdown before Christmas. “You will definitely see the rules tightened on play-the-balls,” Greenberg said. “It was an edict given to clubs in the pre-season and I know the referees have been at scrimmages with all the clubs. “There will be a much greater focus on the play-the-ball and playing it with a genuine attempt. I think you will see the referees being quite vigilant on that. “The challenge for the referees, which they’ve set, is to maintain that vigilance all year. “We’ve spoken about it with the competition committee, the coaches and the referees have been given strong directive.” Games have gained pace in recent seasons and Greenberg expects this to continue. He believes league is more entertaining than ever before, largely due to a greater emphasis on endurance. “I think we found a really good balance when we came back from 10 to eight on the interchange,” he said. “The advent of the shot clock has also brought scrums and dropouts down significantly. “The Bunker reduces decision times down below 60 seconds every decision and a huge number of decisions were within 40 seconds. “That has continued to bring fatigue into the modern game and fatigue is an important part of rugby league.” Greenberg said it was paramount for league to keep evolving to cater for a broad player base. “We’ve got to make sure we balance power and speed and skill, so all body shapes and sizes can play the game,” he said. Source: [url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/todd-greenberg-warns-nrl-players-that-poor-playtheballs-wont-be-tolerated/news-story/026627f4b9c87ca673d1b40806301cc1]Courier Mail[/url] [/QUOTE]

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