Two points to this.

Firstly I've been in many a situation where I've been laid on my back with my arm trapped under someone I'd rather it wasn't. And dispite any size advantage in my favour it's neigh on impossible to get out of it. Particularly if you're trying not to wake the begger up. Sinfield in my opinion was stuffed either way.

Second I've no problem with a player doing whatever he can to win a playoff match. The fault is entirely due to the referee not being up to standard and failing to spot that one, plus about a dozen other incidents.

Are you about 3?

It's been going on since RL began, at all levels; clever players who use the tackler's tactic of shoving their arms in where they don't belong against them. I can't see anything in the RFL Laws that says it's illegal, which probably explains why I don't think I've ever seen it penalised and all the ref can do is tell them to get on with it (which they tend to do at amateur level), or penalise the tackler, because the simple fact is it's HIS responsibility to get away once the tackle is complete. I've done it myself and had penalties awards, and I've had it done to me.

Little Sam with his grip of iron on all these big tough RL forwards.

The issue is the naivity of the officials. Players are going to try things to gain an advantage and the officials are not switched on to work out what is gamesmanship and what isn't

What annoys me the most is that Sam Tomkins has been doing this all season and the ref's haven't picked up on it even though everybody else has. As has been said the tackler is in a no win position. The way the game is currently being reffed, tacklers have to slow the PTB down and so have to get hands on or around the ball to slow down the PTB and stop any potential offload. Every now and again that will lead to a hand being around the ball as the player in possession is going down. When Tomkins traps the tacklers hand the tackler can then do nothing else other than lay there and hope the ref uses some common sense, as if he attempts to move his arm or makes any kind of movement Tomkins will release the ball and 99% of times get a penalty for interference.

I have no problem with what Tomkins is doing, he's trying to do the best for his team. I do however have a big problem with the ref's and Stuart Cummings for not picking up on this over the season when its been so obvious.

It's Sam Tomkins.

He could take a dump on the centre spot and the RFL would nominate it for the Turner Prize.

Nah it'd mysteriously disappear, only to show up years later under Eddie Hemmings pillow.

Edited for accuracy.

Mine's more realistic.

It'll take more than a left foot step and a bad attitude to beat the Australians.

Hmmm. Bad attitude? I can see why using unconventional (but not illegal) tactics to gain an advantage might annoy people, but a bad attitude? He has a massive winning mentality, perhaps sometimes he's a little over-enthusiastic, but have to disagree with you there.

Compare that to Sinfield and his constant moaning, bickering and attempts to influence refs, and acts such as shaking the goalposts and surrounding the referee from the Leeds players - I know which I'd rather eliminate from the game.

As for the left-foot step, that's inexperience. I've said it since he broke into the first team - the key to his step is to only use it occasionally, and Sam needs to learn to release the ball more often. After 10 minutes Leeds knew he would probably step and wrapped him up every time.

Change Sinfield to Hanley and you may be on to something.

I actually thought first time that it was clever play. By the second time it was a bit annoying and I am a neutral.

Is there not an opportunity when they are trapped for the ball to be made 'dead' and the players untangled without it being a knock on or strip?

A whinos fan complaining about "dubious" tactics

















You couldn't make it up could you.

Did anyone else notice ST attempting to wrap his legs around a tackler (on more than one occasion), for a similar effect? Wearing yellow boots is perhaps not the most sensible option if you're going to adopt this tactic.

Its seems as though the guy being tackled has a free licence these days to do what they want:-
1) Clamping the tacklers arm
2) Elbowing the tackler in the head
3} Kicking out of the tackler.
4) Pushing the tackler out of the way before playing the ball.

The whole end of tackle/play the ball needs cleaning up, its just causing frustration to players and fans. What does Cummings actually do these days other than try to justify a referee's poor performance against these tactics.

By some Wigan 'fans' principles, young Sammy surely deserves a dislocated shoulder/ torn rotator cuff for this kind of play, no?

I'll admit I did not like what Tomkins did to get these penalties but saying that it is down to the refs to sort it out.
I hope Mr Cummings has a look at these two incidents.

Do you have anything useful to contribute to this thread? Or any thread for that matter?
Considering you used the word dubious and not me you must consider it dubious as well?
If so why shouldn't opposition fans want it to be sorted out?

It's as bad as diving in football.

The thing that got me was Hemmings praising him by say an old head on young shoulders, as if it was a good thing he'd done rather than conned the ref.

Ablett did exactly the same int he Leeds - Wigan cup game earlier inthe year, and I've noticed it a few time since.
It should be a non issue. Refs should be wise to players trying to milk penalties and frame opponents.

Spot On.

The last thing I want is for RL to turn into football but we are going down that route.

More & More Arguing with the ref
More and More blatent acts of "Sportsmanship"
The winning and celebrating of penalties
Tapping of the head

Is it any wonder that the atmosphere between fans of different teams is getting worse when the teams show little respect for each other or the officials on the field.

I would like the refs and clubs to review this in the off season and come back with a hard attitude and some consistancy.

From Section 11 of the Laws...
[iThe play-the-ball must be performed as quickly as possible. Any player who intentionally delays the bringing of the ball into play shall be penalised.[/i

Barn Door 50 metres square!

Massive target covers door

You are 1 metre away with a gun to shoot to hit the target.

You miss!!!!

You could add grabbing the tacklers shirt and pulling him in so he cant get off to that list

Did somebody leave some blue touch paper lying around?

WTF are you on about?