Play-acting discussed in Super League coaches' meeting with key matters raised

The rising cases of play-acting within rugby league was discussed in the Super League coaches meeting on Wednesday, with coaches asked to help stamp out simulation.

Rugby League Live understands the matter was brought up in the meeting on Wednesday, with a number of coaches asking for proposals to be drawn up to eradicate incidents where players are laying on the floor looking for penalties or for players to be sent from the field.

Both Robert Hicks, the RFL's head of legal and operation and current referee, as well as head of match officials Steve Ganson, discussed the matter with coaches and asked them to help clean up the issue. It was also noted how players are going to ground when their team concedes a dropout to buy time before defending another set.

Cameron Smith explains how things have changed for Leeds Rhinos squad under Jamie Jones-Buchanan

The issue is a tricky one for the match officials, who are not in a position to determine whether or not a player is legitimately injured. However, it was accepted on the call that the matter is becoming a problem and an eye-sore, especially in TV games.

It was suggested that sanctions could be imposed if the matter doesn't resolve itself, which would include players having to leave the field for a period of time if they require treatment but are ultimately fit to continue, similar to the methods currently used in football.

It was said that the matter would be looked at next month to assess if the matter had been resolved by the coaches, and if not, changes would be considered.

One change that has already been introduced is that video referees will not advise on-field officials to give a penalty. Instead, they will only advise if they deem an incident worthy of a sin bin