ONE punch and you're off. The NRL has announced a strict zero tolerance policy to punching in the toughest crackdown on foul play in rugby league history.
State of Origin coaches Laurie Daley and Mal Meninga will be warned of the no-striking edict before Game II in Brisbane on June 26 and the crackdown will be enforced in all NRL matches from this weekend.
Any player caught punching an opponent will be automatically sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes, no matter what the circumstances. They could also face a judiciary charge.
The no-punch stance follows Blues skipper Paul Gallen's attack on Maroons forward Nate Myles in the opening State of Origin game on June 5.
Gallen was suspended for one club game, but not sin-binned. The incident has been replayed on television hundreds of times.
NRL referees boss Daniel Anderson has spoken to his entire squad this week about a stricter policing of foul play and punching incidents. Referees will be dropped if they don't enforce the rules and use the sin bin.
Anderson made the decision following a meeting with NRL chief executive Dave Smith, who was concerned about the game's image as a result of the Gallen-Myles incident.
Anderson, a former junior development officer, says the crackdown is vital for the future of the game and the recruitment of young players. "We need to make sure our game can recruit young kids," he said. "We've got a duty to the community and to people involved in our sport.
"There are a lot of swinging voters on our game who could be turned away by certain incidents.
"The product has to be palatable and accommodate all people who want to be involved in the game. It's the mums and dads who decide if their kids get to play rugby league."
There have been constant suggestions of a Maroons square-up in Origin II. The referees' boss and former coach of the Parramatta Eels and the New Zealand Warriors will speak to the Origin coaches within the next few days.
"I'll ensure I have a chat to Laurie and Mal personally. They'll be told any player that punches or comes in third man will be identified and sent to the sin bin.
"It's plausible that more than one player can be sent to the sin bin. It could be multiple players, depending on the incident. It's important we adjudicate it consistently. Every referee will be on the same page. The same with video referees."
Anderson said he eventually wants to see Origin refereed under the same guidelines as NRL club games.
"I don't like the perception there are different rules in NRL and Origin games. This has to be consistent. I'd rather we're all on the same page."
Blues coach Laurie Daley said his side would have to accept the rules.
"As long as we know and as long as it's policed consistently we've got no complaints," he said.
Queenslander Gorden Tallis applauded the move.
"That's perfect; I'm glad they've come out and done something. I've been saying all along that Gallen should have been sin-binned."
