‘Can we be serious’: Head rub sparks Origin double sin bin

The rugby league world has been left speechless after Origin Game 2 erupted in the second half over an act that had fans stunned.

A double sin bin instigated by a head rub from Liam Martin has left the rugby league world fuming as NSW dominated State of Origin Game 2 to send the series to a decider.

The Blues were flawless in the first half, racking up the biggest first half tally in the history of the competition, 34-0.

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But with 40 minutes still remaining, there was plenty of time for frustrations to boil over for the Maroons as the Blues looked to press home their advantage.

A high shot from Latrell Mitchell appeared to be the fuse that erupted after a strong tackle from Stephen Crichton on Daly Cherry-Evans in the 49th minute.

The Blues centre gave the Maroons skipper a little extra on the ground and Cherry-Evans wasn’t happy.

The grapple from Crichton. Photo: Channel 9

After getting up, he shoved Crichton, who fell to the ground, although there appeared to be a little bit of mayonnaise in the reaction.

The players then came together for some push and shove.

Andrew Johns in commentary said there was “no need”.

But Crichton clearly knew what he was doing, pointing to his temple as he faced off with Cherry-Evans.

“Stephen Crichton all smiles,” Cameron Smith said. “He can do that — his side is up 34 points to nil.”

Stephen Crichton using his head. Photo: Channel 9

Referee Ashley Klein then warned both teams, NSW and Crichton for grappling Cherry-Evans’ head, and both teams for running in.

“If that happens again, both guys will sit in the bin,” Klein warned.

Mat Thompson said: “Tommy would be turning in his grave for this — the late great Tommy Raudonikis, the first captain of NSW.”

But as Queensland kicked for touch, the very next hit forced the ball free with Liam Martin coming over to rub the head of Jaydn Su’A to rub in the knock on.

It sparked an all-in melee

Johns said the Blues rushed in because they knew “what a big moment that was”.

But Klein began asking Bunker official Grant Atkins who had run in.

“Don’t send anyone to the bin,” Johns pleaded.

“Two players will go to the bin here — or he’ll have to send 30 of them here.”

Cameron Smith added that it sounded like “one out from each footy side”.

“I don’t know what’s happened here — let’s just play footy boys,” Smith said.

Klein called out Martin and Isaah Yeo, saying: “Liam starts it by rubbing the head there, it was a knock on but don’t take it out of our hands”, before sin binning the Panthers second rower.

Johns was blown away.

“Liam went for rubbing his head,” he began. “We’ve seen grapples, we’ve seen picking up and dump him, we’ve seen Latrell chin someone. But you rub someone’s head, you get sin binned.”

Smith added: “Sin binned for that, come on.”

That should be a $50 fine so Su'A can go get his hair done. Photo: Channel 9

Martin couldn't believe it. Photo: Channel 9

Carrigan was sin binned for this. Photo: Channel 9

Maroons enforcer Pat Carrigan quickly followed Martin for a sit down.

The 12-on-12 action opened the door for the Maroons, who scored twice during the 10 minute period, allowing Queensland to flatter themselves after being completely outplayed all game.

Fans couldn’t believed what they saw.

AAP’s Scott Bailey tweeted: “Liam Martin has been sin-binned for rubbing a player’s head. In State of Origin. The toughest version of a gladiatorial sport.”

One fan posted: “Explain how Liam Martin wasn’t sent for that dangerous tackle but was sent for that. Can we be serious.”

Another fan wrote: “Liam Martin spear tackles someone = no bin

“Latrell nearly kills Coates = no bin

“Rubbish on the ground from Martin and some defence of his teammate from Carrigan = binning.”

Another said: “Ashley Klein just sin-binned Liam Martin for rubbing a blokes head. I know we’ve seen some crazy sin-bins this year but this absolutely takes the cake.”

Another suggested: “Liam Martin sent to the bin for a good shot. That’s embarrassing for this game.”

Another commented: “Queensland fans complaining about the ref against them are deadset having a laugh. Liam Martin goes to the bin for head rubbing! Give your head a wobble!”

Although Queensland cut the lead to 34-12, another try to NSW closed off any chance of a comeback, before a late consolation to Queensland winger Murray Tualagi.