The problematic 40-20 quick restart could be scrapped as soon as Thursday. The NRL is set to review the rule as the fallout from Parramatta's 18-16 loss to Canterbury on Friday night continues.

An NRL ground manager has denied suggestions he criticised a 12-year-old Parramatta ballboy on Friday night. The ballboy – who Fairfax Media opted against pursing the identity of – was left distraught after he was drawn into the saga when he passed the ball to Vai Toutai instead of putting it on the sideline as per NRL rules, which stifled an Eels attacking raid.

Frustration: Parramatta’s Vai Toutai. Credit:Getty Images

The 40-20 restart rule has caused havoc for players and officials since being introduced this year.

Scrapping the rule and reverting back to a scrum could happen as soon as Thursday, the item forming part of the agenda when the NRL rules committee – which includes Wayne Bennett, Tim Sheens, Trent Robinson and Darren Lockyer – meet.