Send-off drama: Jason Hetherington says dirty trick could put game’s integrity at risk

Former State of Origin hooker Jason Hetherington feels sorry for the men with whistles and believes teams might adopt an unfair tactic and bring the game’s integrity into question.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 12: Kobe Hetherington of the Broncos leaves the field after being sent off during the round 14 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Brisbane Broncos at GIO Stadium, on June 12, 2021, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Rugby league hard man Jason Hetherington has called for common sense to protect the game’s integrity as the Broncos demanded a “please explain’’ over the stunning send-off of his son Kobe.

The former State of Origin hooker claimed his son was confused after being sent off for the first time in his career against Canberra on Saturday night.

Doubts over the widely condemned decision were vindicated after the NRL Match Review Committee fined Hetherington $1500 but decided not to ban the first year player.

The young Broncos forward was expelled from the game by referee Chris Sutton after bracing for contact on Raiders backrower Corey Harawira-Naerea who was falling after being ankle tapped.

Harawira-Naera was injured after accidentally collided with Hetherington’s shoulder.

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Kobe Hetherington leaves the field after being sent off for his tackle on Corey Harawira-Naera.

The call was widely panned and former NSW halfback Johnny Gibbs called it the worst send off in the history of the game as the Broncos prepared to seek an official explanation for it.

The confusion was accentuated by a more sympathetic initial call against Gold Coast’s Kevin Proctor, who stayed on the field after a hit on Rooster Joseph Manu only to cop a one or two week ban.

“Kobe plays the game as hard as he can but he has no malice,’’ Jason said.

“No-one deliberately attacks the head these days. That went out years ago. But there are just so many variables in how a tackle turns out like footwork, the size of the player and the fatigue factor.

“Kobe is confused. That’s his biggest thing. He could not understand why he was sent off. He might not have been suspended but the $1500 fine is a big thing for him because he is not on a lot of money.

Jason Hetherington feels teams may try and get the best rival player sent off by ducking into tackles

“For decisions like that it makes sense to refer it and have a look at it during the week rather than losing a player.

“I actually feel very sorry for the referees because this new thing was dropped on them just before Magic Round and it could not have been easy for them to adjust either.

“It is just hard for players who have been playing the same way since they were six years old to change. My favourite player is Victor Radley because of the way he plays the game. He’s aggressive but he is not malicious. We don’t want to lose players like that from the game.

“My worry is that teams will try and get the best rival player sent off by ducking into tackles. We don’t want to see the game lose its integrity.’’

Meanwhile, State of Origin winger Xavier Coates is likely to play against the Rabbitohs on Thursday despite being a late withdrawal with a hamstring twinge against the Raiders.

Originally published as Send-off drama: Jason Hetherington says dirty trick could put game’s integrity at risk