NRL playmakers Adam Reynolds and Nicho Hynes have praised the league’s revised approach to obstruction rules aimed at reducing “milking” in matches, set to take effect from the pre-season game between the Sharks and Warriors. However, Wests Tigers centre Justin Olam remains sceptical about the changes that allow officials greater discretion in their decisions.
NRL’s head of football, Graham Annesley, confirmed that clarity around obstruction rulings has been improved, stating tries will be awarded unless a defender’s contact would have prevented the score. Reynolds appreciates the initiative, noting the NRL’s ongoing efforts to enhance the spectator experience while advocating for a more common-sense approach to rulings.
Hynes echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in officials’ capacity to make consistent decisions and suggesting that video examples would help fans understand the new guidelines. Yet, Olam raised concerns over the difficulty of determining if a player is genuinely injured or attempting to deceive officials.
Ultimately, while there is optimism among players for a crackdown on milking, skepticism remains regarding the consistency and effectiveness of the new measures in ensuring fair play.