Rugby League: League monitor water carriers

THE RUGBY Football League are to clamp down on water carriers and other non-playing personnel spending too much time on the field in matches.

The referees performance director, Greg McCallum, will conduct a survey into matches in the JJB Super League and Northern Ford Premiership this weekend to determine if the system is being abused. "Various clubs' non- playing personnel are spending more time on the field than some of their players," said McCallum. "In particular, head coaches and assistant coaches are no longer coming directly from the field after performing their duties and many of them remain at the back of play directing the defensive line.

"It is the RFL's intention to monitor the situation this weekend and, if necessary, revisit the agreement regarding non-playing personnel on the field."

The League last week imposed a six-match ban on the York player Mark Cain for interfering with play while acting as a water carrier.

The Great Britain forward Adrian Morley will miss Leeds Rhinos' next three Super League matches after being banned by the Rugby League disciplinary committee.

The second-rower picked up the ban - and a pounds 250 fine - following his dismissal for head-butting the Halifax hooker Paul Rowley during Rhinos' 21-20 defeat at The Shay last Friday.

The St Helens forward Vila Matautia will miss all but one of his club's last four Super League matches after being banned by the Rugby League disciplinary committee.

The Western Samoan, cited for a high tackle after being placed on report during Saints' 35-12 victory at Warrington on Sunday, was handed a three- match ban and a pounds 250 fine.

The former Australian Test forward Mark Carroll, who had a season with London Broncos last year, has ended his 13-year career after being advised he may need a toe amputated.