Hull FC’s cup tie against Salford was heavily penalised.
Hull FC’s Tom Briscoe is tackled by Salford Red Devils’ Brad Dwyer and Toby Hughes(Image: Paul Currie/SWpix.com)
Hull FC head coach John Cartwright is keeping his counsel with rugby league’s new play the ball interpretations this year – so long as the officials find a balance and remain consistent.
The Black and Whites were frequently penalised for holding down in Friday’s cup tie at Salford RLFC, especially in the first half, with such infringements at the ruck penalised more strictly this year. However, it’s consistency that Cartwright says the officials must adhere to if the changes are going to be successful, with the volume of penalties making the clash a tough watch at times.
Speaking post-match, Cartwright cut the referees some slack with players and officials alike needing time and patience to get used to new speeds and crackdowns on slow rucks. The head coach has also stated he has already seen a difference in speeds compared to last year, albeit it is subtle, with Hull to review their discipline on Friday night and make the necessary improvements.
“The refs are finding their way with the rule as well, with the different interpretations of the law,” Cartwright said. “I think we had close to 10/11 penalties in the first half. I just hope we really find a balance there.
“The players are all aware and it is a lot quicker at the ruck than it was last year. But people don’t come to see penalties in the game. If it’s over the top, then yeah, let’s 100% give the penalty, but 50/50 ones, let’s let the players decide it.
“There were some rucks that were penalised and a lot that weren’t. We’ll look at the tape and we’ll see where we were over the top and if we can get better at it, then we will.”
Cartwright also gave his own take on the changes. He continued: “I don’t mind them but like every player, coach, and fan, I just want them to be consistent with it. If we get that, then great, but I really like what I’ve seen in the first few games with the ruck.
“It’s not over the top touch football stuff. If you get a good contact and you win the ruck, then you get a bit of extra time, but the players know once they got a call from the ref, they need to get out of the ruck. We just need to go through it in detail – there were a few penalties given away in the first half. We don’t want to be giving them away.
The head coach added: “I’ve seen a sharp change in the speed of the ruck. It’s only subtle, but it’s there, and that’s what they wanted. You could get away with all sorts of things in the ruck last year and the first two games that I’ve watched, they’ve got rid of that. Hopefully, they can stay consistent with it.”