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Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith says the referee crackdown on off-side is making poor viewing for NRL fans.

"It can't be great viewing for the fans": Cameron Smith. Credit:AAP

But he believes the issue lies with players rather than the referees.

There were 20 penalties in the Storm's 30-14 win over North Queensland on Thursday night, following on from 26 conceded in Melbourne's round two loss to Wests Tigers.

The Tigers were accused of deliberately giving away penalties on their own line in a bid to reset their defence.