NRL: Refs policing downtown rule so play will flow

The Warriors face a significant adjustment to league's kicking game when they take on the Titans today.

Referees will place extra emphasis on the yardage kick rule, designed to give fullbacks and wings more space to run the ball at opposition defences after retrieving a kick.

The move - the "downtown rule" - has been reiterated to coaches so dynamic play at the back of the field from the likes of Parramatta's Jarryd Hayne and Melbourne's Billy Slater is not stifled.

The rule hasn't been policed stringently for some time. Players will now be penalised if they start in an offside position after a kick and continue downfield against referees' orders. They must wait for a kick to pass over their heads before racing into defence mode.

It was identified last year as a potential stumbling block in the game as coaches looked to shut down running momentum. NRL referees' coach Robert Finch made it clear to coaches in January that they would keep a closer eye on the practice.

"We don't want the back three surrounded by defenders. Their opportunity to run is reduced and they deserve more space. We found it was limiting players' ability to move. As a result the fifth tackle - before the kick - was being completed on the 30 metre line [of a team's own territory] rather than the 40," said Finch.

"Players who unintentionally move will be warned but those who continue to move will be penalised, which is what you might expect with the extra fatigue in the early rounds of the competition.

"I didn't want to offer too much flexibility, otherwise you create a monster that is hard to peg back."

Finch says it will lead to more action from the play of the ball on the last tackle.

"I'm expecting a lot more kicking from dummy-half and first receiver rather than passing a long way back. If you pass back 10 metres you are going to be in a worse position."

Warriors second-rower Lewis Brown says the team has adapted successfully in their unbeaten run of trial matches.

"We've practised it and didn't get penalised. It won't affect us as much as someone like St George's Jamie Soward, who is protected more than most. You've just got to be smart and not get too far ahead of yourself."

"The boys have been pointing it out at training," says prop Sam Rapira. "But we've got to test the refs to a degree. We'll be going full on. We're not going to hold back sticking perfectly to the rules."

The change is not worrying coach Ivan Cleary: "We've hardly spoken about it. I'm predicting during the games, referees will give the players the tip. It's not a big deal."