The NRL has issued a stern warning to all eight finals clubs about the use of blocking tactics.
Officials confirmed players could be sent to the sin bin if they deliberately obstruct rivals under the high ball.
The directive comes after repeated complaints from high-flying wingers who have been targeted throughout the season.
Coaches were formally notified in a memo sent on Thursday.
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Coates calls for protection
The issue came to a head last weekend when the Broncos repeatedly blocked Storm winger Xavier Coates.
Kotoni Staggs was penalised once for interference, while other incidents went unsanctioned during Brisbane’s clash with Melbourne.
“It’d be nice if the refs helped out, but it’s also on myself,” Coates said.
“I need to get better with that, and if teams want to do that, I need to come up with a plan to counter those attacks that they’re doing.”
Storm skipper Harry Grant added weight to Coates’ influence, declaring: “He’s winning our player of the year by a mile.”
Roosters wingers also targeted
The crackdown also follows efforts by South Sydney to disrupt Roosters pair Mark Nawaqanitawase and Daniel Tupou in Round 26.
Between them, the towering wingers scored 42 tries this season, many coming from aerial raids off pinpoint kicks.
NRL clubs liaison officer David Fairleigh told coaches the practice would no longer be tolerated.
Sources confirmed the pre-finals memo made it clear referees had the authority to use the sin bin if deliberate obstruction occurred.
Wider discipline focus
The warning was part of a broader reminder about player behaviour in the finals.
Referees will also order a teammate to play the ball if a player stays down to milk a penalty, with the bunker still able to intervene on illegal play.
Players using foul language towards referees, or surrounding them aggressively, will also be penalised.
That message follows the sanctioning of St George Illawarra captain Clint Gutherson last week for dissent.
Trainer returns
Meanwhile, Panthers trainer Corey Bocking is free to return this weekend after serving a five-match ban.
Bocking was suspended for running into the path of Jayden Campbell as he lined up a conversion during Round 22 against the Titans.
He will resume his role on the sidelines for Penrith’s elimination final in Auckland.