NRL world says the same thing on Jake Clifford’s sin bin against the Titans

The baffling calls from the NRL Bunker continue at pace, with everyone saying the same thing after a Cowboy was sin binned.

Another day, another baffling refereeing decision in an NRL game.

This time around, it was the call to send North Queensland halfback Jake Clifford to the sin bin for a professional foul on Titans counterpart Tom Weaver in the Cowboys’ 50-18 thrashing in Townsville.

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Around 13 minutes after what appeared a blatant forward pass led directly to Titan Beau Fermor’s try, the bustling second rower thought he’d scored a double when he slammed down Weaver’s grubber kick over the line.

The try was initially awarded before the Bunker got involved, initially ruling both Moeaki Fotuaika and Sam Verrills were off-side when Weaver put in the little kick.

Watch the incident and ruling in the video player above

Two Titans players (far right) were off-side for the kick. Photo: Fox Sports

But Bunker official Kasey Badger largely overlooked those infringements and instead penalised Clifford for holding Weaver well after his kick.

“If they’re going to look at it, Thomas Weaver was held back,” Greg Alexander said on Fox League.

“I’m pretty sure it’s Clifford that holds Tom Weaver back.”

Badger then gave her ruling over the speakers, stating: “They’re off-side at the point of the kick, so it cannot be a try.

“However we’re just watching the actions of Jake Clifford.

“He’s initially entitled to defend Tom Weaver, however he continues to hold onto him for too long and re-grips, impacting his ability to then contest the play, which is a professional foul.

“We have a decision.”

But Jake Clifford was still sin binned for holding onto Weaver well after the kick. Photo: Fox Sports

Referee Chris Butler then duly sent Clifford for a 10-minute break on the sideline.

But the commentators and just about everyone watching on felt surely Clifford’s actions were rendered a moot point after the two Titans were in off-side positions from the kick.

“This is going to sound strange, I don’t want to get into a thing, but if Fotuaika’s off-side, the whole play is dead, isn’t it?” Dan Ginnane asked.

“If Weaver comes through and grounds it, they’re going to look at Fotuaika anyway and he’s certainly within the 10 (metres) and you’re off-side.

“Anyway.”

When sending Clifford to the bin, Butler said: “Yes, they’re off-side. But (Weaver’s) denied the chance to chase it through when they are actually passive.

Clifford (second right) was given his marching orders. Photo: Fox Sports

The Titans made a fast start before North Queensland hit back. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“So Jake’s going to the bin for a professional foul.”

It was a decision that also confused plenty of those watching the coverage.

Kane Wilson asked on X: “If the Titans player is off-side is the play not dead for being off-side???”

Mary-Ellen declared “Once offside shouldn’t have to defend against him. Ref f**ks it up again.”

An account called Mr Ives offered: “So Moeaki Fotuaika is deemed off-side by Badger in the bunker, but Clifford is binned? Wouldn’t the off-side kill off the whole play?”

It appears that was not the case, somehow, as the head scratching over NRL officiating calls continues at some pace.

The Titans led 18-6 after Weaver kicked a penalty goal for the infringement before the home side blew the game open with four tries in an 23-minute span either side of halftime.

The result puts North Queensland in the top eight, while it’s a fourth straight defeat for Des Hasler’s struggling Titans.

Originally published as NRL world says the same thing on Jake Clifford’s sin bin against the Titans