State of Origin 2024: Fans have no appetite for change to send off rule

Rugby league fans have spoken - they do not want the NRL to implement a change to the send off rule, even if that comes at the price of a one-sided Origin contest. SEE THE RESULTS

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: NRL Photos

If fan sentiment means anything to the NRL then it would appear that there is little chance the send off rules will be changed for State of Origin matches.

In response to Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s Origin send-off on Wednesday night we asked News Corp readers whether they would support a rule change which would permit the team that has had a player sent off be allowed to ­activate its 18th man after 10 minutes.

And the fans have spoken rejecting the suggesting with a near two-to-one majority.

THE SEND OFF

On rugby league’s showpiece night, Suaalii made history by becoming the fastest player sent-off in a State of Origin match.

The Roosters centre and Blues debutant lasted just eight minutes – the total of which could be all he receives this three-game series – for collecting Queensland fullback Reece Walsh with a high shot.

Walsh was unable to return to the match after it was deemed he suffered a category one head knock.

Referee Ashley Klein didn’t mince his words prior before marching Suaalii.

“I don’t want you to say a word,’’ Klein said.

“It’s a very dangerous action, there was direct contact with the head. You’re off.”

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Picture: NRL Photos

The 20-year-old centre joined Jarome Luai and Reece Walsh (both game two, 2023), Trent Waterhouse (game three, 2009), Gorden Tallis (game one, 2000) and Craig Greenhill (game two, 1996) as players who have been sent off in an Origin match.

The decision to send off Suaalii had an instant impact on the match, with Queensland targeting the Blues’ hole in the defensive line to race away with a 20-6 lead after 26 minutes.

GAME OVER AFTER EIGHT MINUTES

Social media went into meltdown over the fact that the most anticipated game of the year was effectively over just eight minutes into the contest.

It led to calls for a new rule where the team that has had a player sent off be allowed to ­activate its 18th man after 10 minutes.

Similar to Queensland being allowed to use 18th man Felise Kaufusi after Walsh was ruled out, the Blues’ ability to use their 18th man Matt Burton would’ve kept the contest alive in the eyes of millions of TV viewers and fans.

Blues coach Michael Maguire was asked post-match if the NRL needed to consider a rule change that would allow Origin matches to be played with 13 players against 13 players.

“It’s definitely worth looking at,” Maguire said.

The Blues were spirited in attempting to cover the loss of Suaalii. They switched Stephen Crichton from the left to the right-centre spot, they tried Hudson Young and even used Nicho Hynes on the wing in defence.

NSW showed fight early in the second half attempting to pressure the Maroons, but they were never going to be able to go the distance against a 13-man Queensland side.

The challenge is set for the Blues by needing to beat Queensland in Melbourne on June 26 to save the series.

Former NSW coach Brad Fittler said Origin II would be an easy game for Blues mentor Michael Maguire to get his players up for.

“The fact that you had someone sent off so early in the game, I don’t think it will be hard for the coach to find spirit,’’ Fittler said on Channel 9.

“He would be telling them, if we had 13 we were a chance of beating these blokes. Some of these boys have done their family proud. You’ve got to win it, that’s all.’’

Andrew Johns conceded the Blues’ performance was virtually an anomaly due to the send-off.

“Its hard to get a gauge (on the Blues’ performance), they’ve been down to 12 men,’’ Johns said.