Mailbox: Get extra man off the field and halve the shot clock

James Gordon

Leeds Rhinos v Castleford - Sunday 20 January

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com

Hi James,

I just wanted to vent frustration at the amounts of time the so called water carriers / coaching / spongeman spend on pitch.

Also a very disturbing trend for players is chewing gum as it’s a safety thing as kids look up to these players.

The worst at this is any Aussie side be it international or just normal game, there’s nothing more annoying than an orange-shirt standing behind for what seems like the full attacking move.

At the moment all sides do it and I think the powers that be should NOT allow this to continue as spoils viewing.

I have complained to the RFL, Super League and referees’ association with no response, surprise surprise.

As for the shot clock it’s become the norm to watch it tick down and ignore the referee until approximately four seconds are left so I think they should half it again so they respect the referee.

As a Saints fan and a rugby league fan all I have said is a fans point of view as what gets me frustrated in the stands.

Again thanks for your great work on the best game.

Tony Price

Editor’s comment: Regardless of this issue, I don’t think it would be a terrible idea to ask the fans more often about the things that put them off the game. I’m sure there are many examples of things that really wouldn’t take a lot to sort out, this being one of them. Completely understand that coaches are always looking for those extra opportunities to gain, but it can’t be at the expense of the overall sport.

Mailbox gives you the chance to get your voice heard and start the debate with the rugby league audience. Want to be featured? Email the editor: james@loverugbyleague.com