Rugby league icons criticized the “absurd” events from the weekend where 18 players were sent to the sin bin during round eight, urging the NRL to implement changes in the lead-up to one of the season’s highlight weeks.
Just one day before Magic Round, which was marred in 2021 by a surprising crackdown that resulted in players being sent off for minor head contact, the issue has resurfaced, raising further concerns.
Player safety is a priority for the NRL’s stricter policies, but fans are calling for a dose of common sense, as games have been notably disrupted by video reviews for trivial incidents from earlier plays.
“The way players are being sent off is completely ridiculous,” said Immortal Andrew Johns during the Sunday Footy Show.
“It’s reached an embarrassing level. The excessive scrutiny and interference from the bunker in play… it should only be used for reviewing try-scoring plays or in cases of send-offs.”
“If it’s a clear send-off that the officials miss, then by all means intervene. But to go back eight plays in a set of six, without any official seeing it, and to send someone off—that is just ludicrous.”
Broncos legend Corey Parker shared similar frustrations regarding the video referee’s inconsistent decisions, particularly perplexed that Bulldogs player Sitili Tupouniua was permitted to stay on the field after lifting his knees in a tackle.
Tupouniua was penalized at that moment and later charged twice, with his knee lift likely costing him two weeks of suspension on top of the three games he’ll miss for a shoulder charge.
“There was clear intent to lift his knee, and it was a forceful action that impacted Piakura,” Parker stated on SEN.
“The referees deemed it unacceptable, awarding a penalty to the Broncos instead.”
“If the NRL is serious about player safety and has a bunker in place, then this should definitely warrant a send-off without question.”
“The clear intent to hit someone in the head with a knee is never acceptable.”
Parker emphasized that the inconsistency of the decisions during the weekend made it difficult for parents to explain to their children.
“In that moment, nothing happened, and Tupouniua remained on the field,” he remarked.
“Later, he was charged with a grade two contrary conduct offense, but on the field, no action was taken.”
“Had he hit someone in the jaw or the side of the head, the repercussions would have been very different.”
“Yet, we see players getting sent off for minor contact.”
“It just doesn’t make sense.”
“As a parent, when you’re with your kids and they see one player sent off for a high tackle, you’re explaining it’s unacceptable and that the NRL is trying to eliminate such actions.”
“Then, Tupouniua lifts his knee, a serious offense, and remains in the game. If your children ask why he wasn’t penalized, you’re left without a response.”
“This presents a real challenge for the NRL, and they must take a firm stance.”
