NRL referees have been instructed by the League that they are to penalise players that intentionally pass the ball to defenders lying in the ruck, according to nrl.com.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg has ordered a crackdown on the time-wasting tactic, which is becoming a more prevalent part of the game due to its effectiveness within the current rules the game is officiated by.
Among the players who were seen utilising the tactic last weekend were Parramatta's Will Smith and Brisbane's Anthony Milford and if players are caught doing the same thing, they will be penalised by the league with suspensions.
"I watched some of these examples over the weekend. It was a bad look for the game, and in simple terms, not in the spirit of the game," Greenberg told nrl.com.
"I've directed the referees – if they see a player like that, deliberately throwing the ball into another, they should give a penalty to the opposition team. You'll see that happen this weekend.
"What I saw over the weekend looked ridiculous to me – players purposely throwing the ball into a player laying in and around the ruck."
Greenberg revealed that he has spoken with the referees particularly about how they handle the situation if they are faced with a deliberate time-wasting tactic, dishing out warnings, have conversations and throwing players in the sin-bin.
"The onus of responsibility is on the referee to have a very brief conversation, provide a warning to the opposing captain, and to get on with the game. That's exactly what I've told them today," Greenberg explained.
"I don't want committee meetings on the try-line. If the referee wants to give a captain a warning, make it quick, make it short, make it sharp. Let's get on with the game. That's what the fans want to see."
Another aspect of the tougher penalties is that the league will seek harsh action on players that take too long to make their way from the field after being sent to the sin-bin.
"We've said that to the coaches and players – if you get sent to the sin-bin, get off the field and do it quickly. If that's going to continue to delay, then I'll come in over the top and mandate some changes," Greenberg said.