He was the same in the Leigh game too. Never seen anything like it. Was like under 8's when the coach is on the pitch with the kids talking them through every play.

I like Briers and I like Wire but it needs sorting. 30 second limit on the field unless there is an injury or the clock is stopped maybe? Can't have people on the pitch for an entire set of 6 directing play.

Also doesn't say much about Tony Smiths faith in Wire's half backs if he feels that he needs the water boy to go on and direct the attack.

The Australian national team have done it many times-and with more than one person. Usually do it to plug gaps in the defensive line when under pressure.

The water carrier wears a blue top.
The head trainer wears a yellow coloured top.

HEAD TRAINER (YELLOW TOP)
♦ The Head Trainer may enter the playing field in the following situations:
1. When a try has been scored 2. While awaiting a Video Referee decision in relation to a try 3. During a time out called by the referee for an injury 4. To inform a player that he is to be interchanged ♦ The Head Trainer is allowed to assist the Physiotherapist with an injured player, carry water or deliver individual messages in situations 1,2 and 3 above. ♦ They must leave the field immediately their assigned task has been completed and return to the dug-out area. ♦ They must enter and leave the field as quickly as possible (i.e. running). ♦ He / She must not enter the playing field carrying any electronic device switched on or otherwise and must do so in a manner that does not interfere with play. ♦ The Head Trainer must not speak to the match officials. ♦ The Head Trainer is not entitled to speak with any other player whilst performing the interchange function.

Seen a lot if this over last couple of seasons, wire in particular not just yesterday. It's bloody annoying that the refs don't clamp down on it and you can see it having an effect. Hodgson was at it too for hkr at the giants this season too, spent more time on the pitch bloody than interchange prop.

Plenty of rules broken yesterday then , think the RFL should be having a word , I'm pretty sure he had a yellow top on with WATER plastered on the back of it , might be wrong

I blame Alfie Langer.

Didn't he start all this? And yes, I agree, it should be clamped down on.

It's cheating, no two ways about it. Lee Briers was an important member of their side and that included leadership. When that player retires, it's up to the club to replace that leadership and experience within the squad. Sending him on to call the plays is effectively a 14th man and reflected badly on Warrington.

Totally agree it did not influence the result but needs to be stopped now. A sever warning to Warrington should be issued, no water carrier or coach should be on the field on play unless injuries or complete stop in play, ie try, video ref etr

Why do you need water when you are having a set of six tackles to make. No time for water in defence.

The match commission should be dealing with this as the ref has enough to do.

.THE FOURTH OFFICIAL MUST REPORT ANY TRAINER WHO BREACHES THESE RULES TO THE MATCH REFEREE IMMEDIATELY.

Saints v fc at the kc a few weeks ago, the water carrier was never off the pitch, giving instructions to saints players every time he came on


Had a weak referee in thomasson who failed to act on it. Funnily he hasn't had a superleague game to ref after that match or none that I had noticed

Can't really see the problem. A warning at best.

The Leigh fans,experts on the art of refereeing,are of the opinion that Mr Thomason has left the sport.

I can't think it due to complaints from fans or contact from a Leigh player.

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Like noted above, it should be the fourth official that deals with it. He ref has enough to deal with with the 26 guys on the pitch at the time that he shouldn't be the one timing how long Briers is on the pitch.

After it got highlighted on TV this weekend and I imaging they'll be something mentioned by posters on the refs/RFL Twitter this week then it'll be interesting to see how things go this week and if they tighten up on it.

He was the same when we played them at ours. At one point yesterday he actually pulled a player with him into the defensive line as if to say stand there.

Could have been worse, at least he wasn't conversing with the coaching staff via a set of headphones.....

You really are a prize one aren't you. Think you need help with your fixation

More faux hysteria.

What is needed is for a bright lad to spot when a water carrier is filling a hole in the defensive line and to run at it. If the water carrier gets in the way run through him. The ref will be forced to take action.

That thought crossed my mind during the game - Briers was obviously taking the mick (it was ever thus) so if he'd have ended up being mowed down by a rampaging prop forward, he'd only have himself to blame.

Am I right in thinking that if the ball struck Briers from an opposition player it would be a scrum with feed to the opposition? Take the ball up to Briers on tackle 4 or 5 & deliberately pass it at him.

I don't think there is any hysteria. It's clearly being noted, as Briers himself is on Twitter criticising everyone who moans about it.

It's wrong. These are professional players we're talking about here. They don't need a coach in the line with them, positioning them and telling them what to do each play. That is what Briers was doing, he wasn't managing substitutions like the rules say or passing a single message like the rules say. He was actively coaching them at crucial points in the game. It's like watching an Under 8's game, with the coach calling numbers to ensure everyone gets a go with the ball.

It adds nothing to the game, it doesn't enhance safety or player welfare, so I can't see any reason for coaches to be allowed on the field. The only people who should be allowed on the field should be medical staff.

Watching the Saints v HKR game from a couple of weeks ago, there was a point when Saints put a bomb up and the HKR physio/trainer/watercarrier sprinted into the midst of the kick chase line. It was so blatant it must be a coached tactic.

would love to see that!

Briers isn't a water carrier, he's a coach.
Thanks.