Like noted above, it should be the fourth official that deals with it. He ref has enough to deal with with the 26 guys on the pitch at the time that he shouldn't be the one timing how long Briers is on the pitch.



After it got highlighted on TV this weekend and I imaging they'll be something mentioned by posters on the refs/RFL Twitter this week then it'll be interesting to see how things go this week and if they tighten up on it.

He was the same when we played them at ours. At one point yesterday he actually pulled a player with him into the defensive line as if to say stand there.

Could have been worse, at least he wasn't conversing with the coaching staff via a set of headphones.....

You really are a prize one aren't you. Think you need help with your fixation

More faux hysteria.

What is needed is for a bright lad to spot when a water carrier is filling a hole in the defensive line and to run at it. If the water carrier gets in the way run through him. The ref will be forced to take action.

That thought crossed my mind during the game - Briers was obviously taking the mick (it was ever thus) so if he'd have ended up being mowed down by a rampaging prop forward, he'd only have himself to blame.

Am I right in thinking that if the ball struck Briers from an opposition player it would be a scrum with feed to the opposition? Take the ball up to Briers on tackle 4 or 5 & deliberately pass it at him.

I don't think there is any hysteria. It's clearly being noted, as Briers himself is on Twitter criticising everyone who moans about it.



It's wrong. These are professional players we're talking about here. They don't need a coach in the line with them, positioning them and telling them what to do each play. That is what Briers was doing, he wasn't managing substitutions like the rules say or passing a single message like the rules say. He was actively coaching them at crucial points in the game. It's like watching an Under 8's game, with the coach calling numbers to ensure everyone gets a go with the ball.



It adds nothing to the game, it doesn't enhance safety or player welfare, so I can't see any reason for coaches to be allowed on the field. The only people who should be allowed on the field should be medical staff.

Watching the Saints v HKR game from a couple of weeks ago, there was a point when Saints put a bomb up and the HKR physio/trainer/watercarrier sprinted into the midst of the kick chase line. It was so blatant it must be a coached tactic.

would love to see that!

Briers isn't a water carrier, he's a coach.

Thanks.