New referee memo reveals backchat, late hits & play-the-ball high on agenda ahead of Round 2

The NRL has warned clubs to expect more penalties and set restarts after circulating an email to all 17 teams outlining a renewed focus on several areas of play ahead of Round 2.

The memo, sent on Wednesday, highlighted a number of rule interpretations and enforcement priorities following a review of the first round. Al

Among the key areas highlighted was ruck speed, with the NRL indicating several slow play-the-balls in Round 1 should have resulted in penalties or set restarts.

“The referees have reviewed several slow rucks in round one that, upon reflection, should have been a penalty or set restart depending on field position,” the email read.

“You can expect a high focus in this area.”

Players have also been reminded they must make a genuine attempt to play the ball, while defenders must clear the ruck area quickly once a tackle is completed.

The league also reiterated its stance on the disrupter rule, warning that players who jump and bat the ball back with one hand without genuinely contesting the catch risk conceding a penalty if it interferes with an opponent’s opportunity to take the ball.

Contact on kickers will also be closely monitored, with referees instructed to penalise any contact deemed late, high or dangerous.

Another focus will be late contact on passers. The email noted several incidents in Round 1 where players were hit after releasing the ball but the contact went unpunished. The NRL confirmed those situations will now receive closer scrutiny.

Scrum feeds were also addressed, with players warned against baulking or hesitating when feeding the scrum in an attempt to draw defenders offside.

“You will be asked to feed the scrum again correctly,” the email read.

“If you continue to do this, it may be seen as a repeated cynical act and be penalised or sin binned, depending on the circumstances.”

The email also addressed player conduct towards referees following instances in Round 1 where players repeatedly approached officials to question decisions.

“In round one, some players approached the referee at the wrong time and repeatedly questioned the referee’s decision,” the email read.

“There is an appropriate time for the captain to speak with the referee. Please ensure that when the captain speaks with the referee, it is to clarify the decision, not to dispute it.”

Collisions, take-outs and escorts were also listed as areas that will continue to be closely monitored by officials.

The communication comes as the NRL adjusts to expanded set restart parameters this season, which were widened from the 40-metre line to outside the 20-metre zone. The change resulted in an average of eight restarts per game across Round 1 — roughly double the rate recorded in the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Speaking on Big Sports Breakfast, Laurie Daley said the early spike in six-again calls was part of a natural adjustment period for both referees and players.

“I think we will see that in the next few weeks, while the referees adjust to six-agains and the players adjust to six-agains,” he said on The Big Sports Breakfast.

“I think this will happen until we all get a greater understanding of how it is going to be adopted and the players fit in to what the referees are doing and the referees find their way with it a little bit as well.

“I can see this continuing at least for the first month until everyone finds the flow of the game.”

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