NRL Cracks Down on New ‘Bomb Shield’ Tactic
The National Rugby League (NRL) has moved swiftly to address a burgeoning tactic employed by teams to shield their fullbacks and wingers when fielding high kicks, commonly known as “bombs.” This protective strategy, where players form a wall to prevent opposition chasers from pressuring the ball-catcher, has drawn the attention of the governing body, which has now declared it an obstruction offence.
The manoeuvre involves players retreating towards their own try line, creating a human shield around the player attempting to catch a bomb. While their eyes and hands might appear ready to contest the ball, their primary intention is to impede the progress of opposing players who are chasing the kick. This tactic aims to give the catcher a cleaner opportunity to secure possession without the immediate threat of a tackle or a challenge for the ball.
One notable instance of this strategy was observed on a recent Sunday afternoon, where the Parramatta Eels deployed four players to create a protective cordon around their fullback, Isaiah Iongi. This allowed him to retrieve the ball in relative safety, with defenders unable to close the gap effectively. The visual of the Eels players forming this “wall” captured significant attention on social media, prompting a rapid response from the NRL.
NRL’s Official Stance and New Ruling
Graham Annesley, the NRL’s head of football elite competition, has communicated the league’s position to all clubs via an email, outlining the crackdown on this emerging tactic. The core of the clarification is that such formations will now be penalised as obstruction.
The email details the observed increase in incidents where players intentionally position themselves to impede kick-chasers. Annesley stated:
“In the opening rounds of the Telstra Premiership, there has been a noticeable increase in incidents where players intentionally move towards a teammate who is attempting to catch a kick in general play.
In doing so, these players position themselves in a manner that impedes the path of kick-chasers seeking to contest the catch or effect a tackle.
While players are permitted to move towards the ball and take up a position, this does not override the clear obligation all players have under the international laws of the game to not obstruct an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.
Consequently, if in the opinion of match officials, one or more players take up positions with the intent to interfere with an opponent’s ability to compete for the ball or attempt a tackle, such action will be deemed obstruction, as it would be in any other aspect of general play where a player is obstructed while not in possession.
Please ensure all coaches and players are made aware of this clarification before round four of the premiership.”
This directive makes it clear that while players are allowed to move into positions to contest a kick, this right is not absolute and cannot be used to deliberately impede an opponent who is not in possession of the ball.
Widespread Adoption of the Tactic
The NRL is well aware that the Eels are not the sole beneficiaries of this tactic. Reports indicate that several other clubs have been observed employing similar strategies. These include:
- North Queensland Cowboys
- Penrith Panthers
- Cronulla Sharks
- Melbourne Storm
- Brisbane Broncos
- Gold Coast Titans
- Wests Tigers
The NRL has emphasised that the number of players involved in forming the shield is not the primary concern. If the action is deemed obstructive by the referees, even a single player can be penalised.
The league office will be closely monitoring the upcoming weekend’s matches to ensure compliance with the new interpretation of the obstruction rule. This proactive measure aims to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure fair contest for possession in all situations. Coaches and players are expected to adjust their strategies accordingly before the commencement of round four.
