NRL head of football Graham Annesley call to sin bin Maika Sivo

NRL head of football Graham Annesley has given a pass mark to the refereeing decision to sin bin Parramatta’s Maika Sivo for one of the year’s worst high shots.

Clint Gutherson looks on as Maika Sivo is sent off for a high shot on Jahrome Hughes. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

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NRL head of football Graham Annesley has given a pass mark to the refereeing decision to sin bin Parramatta’s Maika Sivo for one of the year’s worst high shots.

Annesley said he was comfortable with the sin-binning of Sivo for his high tackle on Melbourne fullback Jahrome Hughes.

On Monday Parramatta accepted a one-match ban for Sivo which will put the Eels winger out of their match against the Cowboys in Townsville on Saturday night.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters and former Penrith captain Greg Alexander were among those commentators on Fox League who thought Sivo was fortunate not to be sent off for the tackle.

Clint Gutherson looks on as Maika Sivo is sent off for a high shot on Jahrome Hughes. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Annesley said either a send-off or sin bin would’ve been deemed appropriate.

“I’m not going to be critical — it was one of those decisions that required action and action (was taken),” Annesley said.

“Some people will believe the action should’ve been stronger. Others won’t.”

Annesley said he was most concerned by a seven-tackle set for the Bulldogs in their loss to Newcastle on Saturday, even though it didn’t have an impact on the score or result.

“That’s not an error we would not normally expect in a game,” Annesley said. “The officials in that game are currently under review … and we’ll see what transpires when the refereeing appointments come out (on Tuesday).’’

Originally published as NRL head of football Graham Annesley call to sin bin Maika Sivo