‘Why is this now a problem?’: Sheens’ stern message to NRL as Tigers star calls out ‘joke’

Tigers coach Tim Sheens has sent a stern warning to the match review committee after a contentious incident involving Stefano Utoikamanu.

Stefano Utoikamanu hit Wayde Egan with a raised arm. Pic: Fox Sports

Tigers coach Tim Sheens has sent a stern warning to the match review committee after prop Stefano Utoikamanu was placed on report for a raised arm.

The 23-year-old was penalised in the first half for making contact with Warriors hooker Wayde Egan’s throat while running the ball with his bumpers up.

New Zealand’s rake left the field and was later taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, with Andrew Webster confirming he was “okay” in his post-match press conference.

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In June, Titans and Maroons enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui avoided any charge for a forearm on Tigers hooker Apisai Koroisau in similar circumstance.

Fa’asuamaleaui’s elbow broke Koroisau’s jaw, leaving him unavailable for the final two games of the 2023 Origin series.

Stefano Utoikamanu hit Wayde Egan with a raised arm. Pic: Fox Sports

The 23-year-old had previously been handed a $1800 fine for a dangerous contact charge in Round 12 when his elbow collected Bulldogs skipper Reed Mahoney.

Sheens urged the match review committee to take a similar approach and questioned why the Warriors were handed a penalty.

“(Utoikamanu) better not (be cited) after what happened with Api,” Sheens said in the post-match press conference.

“He didn’t hit him in the head at all. He’s gone and had some problems with his breathing.

“All of a sudden it is a penalty, I can’t see why it is a penalty.

“There was no penalty and there was no suspension when it happened to Api. Why is this now a problem?”

On field Koroisau also questioned referee Chris Butler, saying “what about my jaw, sir?” as he blew a penalty.

Injured Tigers star Adam Doueihi, meanwhile, took to Twitter to take aim at a number of questionable calls he believes have hurt his team in recent weeks.

“How many weeks in a row can we be on the wrong end of these ref calls. Seriously, becoming a joke,” he wrote.

How many weeks in a row can we be on the wrong end of these ref calls. Seriously, becoming a joke

— Adam Doueihi (@AdamDoueihi6) August 12, 2023

It comes after the NRL admitted the Raiders should not have been awarded a try in their 22-18 win over the Tigers following a Jack Wighton forward pass.

Originally published as ‘Why is this now a problem?’: Sheens’ stern message to NRL as Tigers star calls out ‘joke’