LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The NRL's 'blockers' rule has become a hot potato in the world of rugby league, with fans, players, and coaches alike up in arms over its application.
Despite NRL head honcho Graham Annesley's attempts to justify the rule, it seems as though the majority of the league community isn't buying it.
In a recent golden point thriller between the Knights and Sharks, referee Gerard Sutton penalised players for allegedly blocking defenders during crucial field goal attempts by Kalyn Ponga and Daniel Atkinson.
However, many argued that the players in question were simply part of the attacking line, offering themselves as decoys rather than intentionally obstructing the opposition.
Annesley's defense of the rule fell flat, with critics pointing out his lack of understanding of the nuances of the game.
His insistence that players shouldn't be in certain positions if they don't want to risk a disallowed goal seemed out of touch with the reality of modern rugby league tactics.
It's clear that the 'blockers' rule is a contentious issue that isn't going away anytime soon.
As the debate rages on, one thing is certain - fans and players alike are crying out for a fair go and a level playing field in the world of rugby league.
Time will tell if the powers that be are listening.