That was an absolute disgrace and the blowup by the players after the fulltime whistle was out of pure frustration with the Refereeing.
This moving off the defensive line once the ball has cleared the ruck (whatever it is) is a major problem.
Referees could blow a penalty in every play the ball because determining when the "ball has cleared the ruck" is up for interpretation. From when the player places his foot on the ball and the ball is rolled back to the dummy half........thats a split second......probably upto 2-3 mtrs the defensive line (players) have moved off the mark. So in that split second the Referee makes the call! and calls them offside.
Its bullshit and what happened in tonights Melb v Cronulla game and most other games this year will continue.
This ...... What is happening with the offside Penalties is entirely the Referees fault and I suggest its impossible for the rule to be enforced properly.
As I said and my interpretation of the ball leaving the ruck is, when the ball moves from the foot into the dummyhalf's hands. Its a split second and for the Referee to be able to be accurate about when it leaves the ruck is a lucky dip. imo
I maybe wrong with my interpretation of the ball leaving the ruck, if so, could some one enlighten me about this change in the Rule.
