FridayOL

The heat is on the NRL to address a perceived tactical advantage being exploited by Melbourne Storm, with Andrew Johns joining the chorus of voices demanding a rule change. Following similar claims made earlier this week by his brother, Matty Johns, Andrew has voiced his concerns regarding Storm's repeated kicking towards Xavier Coates, particularly after the controversial penalty try awarded to Coates against the Broncos last Thursday.

The incident sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether Coates was legitimately tackled in the air or if the penalty try was a harsh decision. However, the focus has now shifted to whether Storm are deliberately targeting Coates with their kicks, knowing the potential for a penalty try if he's challenged in the air. This tactic, according to the Johns brothers, constitutes an exploitation of a loophole in the current rules.

“I think they’re finding a loophole there, kicking it towards Coates,” Andrew Johns stated on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show. “They’re getting away with murder, they are. It’s a penalty try every time. They’re just kicking it to him and he’s getting tackled in the air. It’s a penalty try. They’re exploiting it.”

Matty Johns initially raised the issue, suggesting Storm’s strategy of kicking towards Coates was a calculated move designed to pressure referees and secure penalty tries. He highlighted the Broncos game as a prime example, where Coates was awarded a penalty try after a contentious aerial challenge. The subsequent comments from Andrew Johns amplify the concerns, adding significant weight to the calls for a rule adjustment.

The NRL is now facing mounting pressure to clarify the rules surrounding aerial challenges and penalty tries. Critics argue that the current regulations allow teams to unfairly manipulate the system, potentially influencing match outcomes. A potential solution could involve stricter guidelines for referees when assessing aerial challenges, ensuring consistency and preventing teams from deliberately targeting players in the air.

The debate extends beyond the Johns brothers, with former players and commentators also weighing in on the issue. Many agree that the current rules create an environment ripe for exploitation, and that a change is necessary to protect the integrity of the game. The Storm, known for their meticulous approach to the game and their ability to find tactical edges, are now at the centre of this controversy.

Whether the NRL will act swiftly to address these concerns remains to be seen. However, the growing pressure from prominent figures within the rugby league community suggests that a review of the rules is inevitable. The next few weeks could be pivotal in shaping the future of the game and preventing teams from exploiting perceived loopholes in the current regulations. The focus now is on ensuring fair play and maintaining the excitement and unpredictability that makes the NRL so popular.