‘It’s a disgrace’: State of Origin sin bin controversy erupts in opener
A rugby league great has delivered a scathing rant over a controversial incident that resulted in a NSW Blues star being sent off.
NRL
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Controversy has unfolded in the opening half of the State of Origin opener with fans left seeing red.
In the dying seconds and with the Maroons looking to finally impact the scoreboard, a kick into the end zone hung in the air as Xavier Coates came leaping in.
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As the Queensland star leapt for the ball he was met in the air by Blues counterpart Brian To’o with the ball bobbling out of his hands and onto the Suncorp turf.
Coates instantly argued with Ashley Klein that he was impeded with the official sending it to be checked by the Bunker.
As slow motion replays began to roll it appeared the Blues star had wrapped his arms around Coates.
Watch the controversial incident in the video player above
“There’s no doubt he grabs Xavier Coates there,” Cam Smith said in commentary.
The Bunker ultimately ruled it was a professional foul, which means To’o will now spend the first 10 minutes of the second half in the sin bin.
The decision however from the Bunker to penalise the diminutive Blues star left those watching on seething.
Rugby league great Greg Alexander didn’t mince his words as he unloaded a scathing rant.
“That will go down as the worst (decision I’ve seen),” Alexander said.
“We really need to do something about this rule. That is outrageous. That is ridiculous. It is the worst thing I have ever seen.
“He gets monstered by a taller player. What else can he do? He has eyes only on the ball.
“Once again slow motion ruins everything. Slow motion makes it look like he actually thought about what he was doing.
“He was going for the ball but got beaten by a bigger man over the top. He stood his ground. That’s all he did.
“This rule has reared its head during the NRL. It is a disgrace. They need to look at it. We didn’t bring that rule in for that reason.”
Phil Gould said on Nine’s coverage: “I think it’s a ridiculous exaggeration and a ridiculous interpretation of the rule. They’re fighting for the ball in the possession. It’s not a sin bin in an origin match.”
The Mole wrote on X: “Joke sin bin.. no intent from To’o to tackle … just got out-jumped.”
Reporter Lachlan Jeffery wrote: “That’s just the worst call ever. I know they have to keep Queensland in the game, but that is so far from the correct call it’s not funny. Even Queenslanders know that that’s blatantly incorrect.”
The moment opened the door up for the Maroons after the Blues had dominated proceedings in the first half.
In a moment of pure magic, Latrell Mitchell stunned fans with a freak act that helped extend the Blues’ lead.
The ball worked its way to the left hand side of the field and Latrell Mitchell passed the ball on to To’o while mid-air as he was about to get tackled.
“He actually caught and passed that in mid-air, Latrell Mitchell,” Cam Smith said on Nine.
Brad Fittler added: “Latrell when he threw the ball he was off the ground. I don’t know how he finds the strength to be able to flick it through his hands that quick.”
Joey Johns just said this Blues start is: “As good as it gets. They’re (Queensland) getting blown away.”
Originally published as ‘It’s a disgrace’: State of Origin sin bin controversy erupts in opener
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