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THE Country Rugby League is introducing some wonderful new procedures and rules — from under-6s to first grade — to ensure referees start getting the respect they deserve.
In every game under the control of the CRL starting from Saturday:
■ Referees enter the field of play before the teams;
■ The teams run on and line up in the middle of the ground to shake hands; and
■ The coin toss will take place and instructions given to the teams and questions answered at the halfway line before play proceeds.
"We are hopeful that these new initiatives will reinforce the respect that players and fans should have for the referees and their opposition," CRL boss Terry Quinn said.
"These changes were made in collaboration with the Country Rugby League Referees Association (CRLRA) and they are fully supportive of what we are trying to achieve.
"It was important to have these new initiatives implemented right across the board from under-6s to first-grade teams throughout country NSW to promote strong values in our game.
"It sends a message of good sportsmanship to people both inside and outside of our game and hopefully inspires our young players to carry this respect right through their careers as footy players."
WHAT'S THE BUZZ II: Saint, Sinner Shoosh
SADNESS: The cap Richie never received
The Thirroul Butchers (blue) and Helensburg Tigers u19s shake hands at Thomas Gibson Park, Thirroul. Source: News Limited
BUZZ: The cap Richie never received
WHAT'S THE BUZZ: Saint, Sinner Shoosh
ROOSTERS EYES ON HAYNE
NO ONE is monitoring Jarryd Hayne's trials at the San Francisco 49ers more closely than the Sydney Roosters.
With money freed up from the departure of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the Roosters are one of just a few clubs that can afford Hayne with the assistance of NRL boss Dave Smith and his discretionary war chest.
The Roosters have better access to third party sponsors than any other club through the contacts of Nick Politis, David Gyngell, Mark McInnes and other high-profile supporters.
Hayne's signature would give the Roosters the marketing and commercial boost they desperately need. They have dropped to 14,000 members this year, down from 17,000 last season.
POTENTIAL: Burgess next to follow Hayne in NFL switch
James Tamou looks set to swap Townsville for Canberra. Source: News Corp Australia
HOME FIRES BURN FOR TAMOU
CANBERRA Raiders are close to signing State of Origin front-rowerJames Tamou from the Cowboys. His wife Brittney, who is expecting their second child, comes from Braidwood, just outside of Canberra where her parents are still living. The signing will complete a huge week for the club following on from signing Aidan Sezerfrom the Titans.
DAVE TO THE RESCUE
THE Dragons have missed out on getting Russell Packer back to play NRL this year but they are desperately trying to sign another frontrower.
The name we're hearing is Canberra Raiders and former Test prop Dave Shillington who has asked coach Ricky Stuart for a release.
ROOSTER BEING A GOOSE
WE had a chuckle about Roosters talent scoutPeter O'Sullivan blowing up over the Warriors quite legitimately pinching Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. This is the same man who has stolen the best players in the game from just about every NRL club. He needs to pull his head in.