THE RFL have issued a statement after reviewing the tactic of dummy halves deliberately throwing the ball at an opposing player at the ruck with the aim of securing a penalty.
It is a tactic that some clubs have emplyed successfully for a number of years.
But last week's incident involving Salford's former Saint Josh Jones in the televised clash with Huddersfield has highlighted the issue.
The RFL statement reads: "it has become clear that some players are deliberately passing a ball into a player with the sole intention of forcing the Match Official to award a penalty for offside.
"Having reviewed these incidents, Rugby Football League Head of Match Officials, Steve Ganson, has written to all Head Coaches and made it clear that in these situations, Match Officials have now been instructed to consider Section 15 (i) of the Laws of the Game which state that a player is guilty of misconduct if he behaves in any way contrary to the true spirit of the game.
"This does not in any way absolve a defender of his responsibilities to clear the ruck and the defending team will still be penalised should the Match Official deem he is interfering with play."
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