The NRL has cracked down on serious dissent and warned that anyone spitting at a match official would be banned for "months rather than weeks".

The NRL judiciary sparked controversy this week when it suspended NZ Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon for three matches after he was found guilty of spitting at touch judge Brett Suttor in last Sunday's win over Penrith in Auckland.

NRL prosecutor Peter Kite had recommended a ban of between nine and 11 matches for the "reprehensible" act.

The NRL issued a new policy directive on serious cases of dissent towards officials following Friday's board meeting and also acted to ensure McKinnon's suspension could not be used as a precedent for future cases.

"This directive operates to over-ride any precedents that may or may not have been established in terms of previous penalties in this area," NRL chief executive David Gallop said on Friday.

Gallop said the judiciary panel had every right to reach the decision they did over McKinnon but said the NRL was now taking a clear stance.

"There were a number of factors the panel members may or may not have taken into account in reaching their decision this week and their right to do so remains a key part of a judiciary system that has become the benchmark in Australian sport," Gallop said.

"It was up to the panel to determine if there had been conduct directed specifically at the referee or that was of a more general nature and we respect the time they took to consider all matters.

"What the board is making clear today is that should a player ever be proven to spit at or towards a match official that the panel should impose a heavy penalty which recognises the board's resolve to protect our officials and the broader interests of the game.

"Thankfully these are far from common issues but in the case of matters that will inevitably be referred charges it is entirely appropriate for the board to make a directive in terms of the standards it would expect."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP