Warriors' forward Kane Evans admits the strict new NRL rule interpretations are forcing an 'adapt or die' mentality among the playing group.
The crackdown on high contact continued across the latest round, with a spate of sin bins and penalties, as well as numerous players being put on report and subsequently charged.
Roosters' lock Victor Radley was sin binned twice during their loss to the Broncos, while eleven players have already been hit with bans from the weekend games.
He admitted the new rule interpretations crossed his mind during the 30-26 win over the Tigers, as he came off the interchange bench in the second half.
"Twice the boys tackled from marker [around the] legs and the person was dropping in front of me," said Evans. "Normally I would try to step in and hit him, but because of that rule change I was thinking I don't want to get a fine so I let him drop and [then] jumped on top.
"You've got to be cautious these days because I don't want to be missing games or getting fines. I've got mortgages to pay; I can't afford a A$1500 fine each week."
The initiative is particularly problematic scenario for the 1.99m Evans, the fourth tallest player in the NRL.
"It's frustrating, especially being a tall lad," said Evans. "If someone falls over and they fall into me, and their head hits my stomach or my hip, I'm going to get sent off."
Evans is supportive of the new approach but hopes the NRL will continue to monitor the rules and ensure the integrity of the game.
Kane Evans of the Warriors in action during the round five NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles. Photo / Getty Images.
An off-season recruit, Evans is struggling to make his mark at the Warriors. The 29-year-old was dropped for the Eels clash in Brisbane, then only got 17 minutes against the Tigers.
"It was frustrating for me, as an individual," said Evans. "But we got the win and we got the job done."
Evans has been instructed to work on his defensive game. He's also likely to face further competition next month, with the impending return of Addin Fonua-Blake.
The marquee prop trained with the team on Tuesday, for the first time since surgery on a knee injury suffered in round four.
"He's a beast," said Fonua-Blake. "First training session back with the team and you couldn't even tell he was injured. He's next level. With his confidence and skills he just pushes all the forwards to be better, so really looking forward to that."
