Greenberg backs referees over soaring penalty count

DON’T blame the referees, blame me – that’s NRL boss Todd Greenberg’s message after a spike in penalties this season has drawn fierce criticism from fans and commentators.

Rugby league legend Andrew Johns became the latest to lash out at officiating after 19 penalties were blown in Thursday night’s round-three match between Melbourne Storm and North Queensland.

It came less than a week after 26 infringements were called between the Storm and the Wests Tigers – part of an average increase of five penalties per match this year.

Greenberg said the referees are only doing what he’s asked them to do and the onus is on the governing body to remain ahead of coaches attempting to push boundaries.

“If people want to come out over this weekend and start ripping into the referees, I’ve got some advice for them: they better start ripping into me first because all the referees are doing is following instruction,” Greenberg said yesterday.

The NRL has been open about its edict to clean up the play-the-ball as well as ensure sides remain onside in defence.

A furious Johns believed the game is being destroyed by penalties.

“It’s destroying the game, there’s no flow. Very frustrating to watch,” Johns said.

Storm skipper Cameron Smith agreed, but said the issue lies with players rather than the referees.

He believes the problem stems from tighter policing of the play the ball, with it longer acceptable for players to roll it through their legs rather than striking it back to a dummy half.

“Defenders are finding it difficult to get that timing right that we’ve played for the last four or five years, when it’s been almost like tunnel ball,” he said.

“The new rule came in three weeks before the competition started. It sounds easy but the amount of time you practise getting off your line and timing that play the ball, it becomes automatic.

“Players are going to have to adjust to the new rule and hopefully we will see less penalties.”