NRL issues fresh edict surrounding kick blockers ahead of Round 4

The NRL has moved to shut down a growing defensive tactic involving players forming a protective “wall” around teammates attempting to catch high kicks.

The news follows a previous email sent to clubs that detailed a number of focus areas on 12 March.

The new issue revolves around players mimicking an attempt to compete for the football in kick reception, highlighted clearly in the Eels win over the Dragons in Round 3.

Graham Annesley issued a clarification to clubs warning that match officials will now penalise coordinated efforts to shield a catcher from kick chasers on Wednesday.

An email sent to club football managers and CEOs outlined that while players are allowed to move toward the ball, any positioning that intentionally impedes opponents contesting a bomb will be treated as obstruction under the laws of the game.

“In the opening rounds of the Telstra Premiership there has been a noticeable increase in incidents where players intentionally move towards a teammate who is attempting to catch a kick in general play," it read.

“In doing so, these players position themselves in a manner that impedes the path of kick-chasers seeking to contest the catch or effect a tackle.

“While players are permitted to move towards the ball and take up a position, this does not override the clear obligation all players have under the international laws of the game to not obstruct an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.

“Consequently, if in the opinion of match officials, one or more players take up positions with the intent to interfere with an opponent’s ability to compete for the ball or attempt a tackle, such action will be deemed obstruction, as it would be in any other aspect of general play where a player is obstructed while not in possession.

“Please ensure all coaches and players are made aware of this clarification before round four of the premiership.”

The clarification follows widespread use of the tactic across the competition in recent rounds, with several clubs employing multi-player formations to protect their fullback or designated catcher under the high ball.

Parramatta were among the teams observed using the approach, forming a four-player shield around fullback Isaiah Iongi in their recent win over St George Illawarra. Other clubs, including North Queensland, Penrith, Cronulla, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Wests Tigers, also reportedly utilised similar structures.

It is a tactic that has been likened to the Eels' wall of the 1980s.

While the email stops short of introducing a new rule, it serves as a directive to referees to more strictly interpret existing obstruction laws. Match officials will now be instructed to penalise any coordinated blocking that restricts opponents from legitimately contesting the ball.

The NRL has emphasised that not every player returning to support a catcher will be penalised, but organised interference that prevents fair competition in the air will be closely monitored and sanctioned.

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