NRL referee Belinda Sharpe demoted to touch line duties after subpar performances

Referee Belinda Sharpe is set to be relegated to touch line duties in Round 22 following a lopsided penalty count in Cronulla’s win over South Sydney.

Referee Belinda Sharpe is facing the sack this week.

Sharpe endured an unhappy game last Saturday night when controlling Cronulla’s win over Souths in Gosford and it is understood she will be relegated to being a touch judge for round 22.

She appeared confused at times during the Sharks-Rabbitohs game with the NRL poised to rest her for at least a week.

Her combined penalty and six again count was 15-3 in favour of the Sharks.

The actual penalty count was 10-2 to Cronulla, who won the game 14-12. The Sharks also enjoyed five restarts to one.

There was also confusion over a tackle count in the same game due to a captains’ challenge but, ultimately, the correct decision was reached.

Referee Belinda Sharpe will run the touch lines in Round 22. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Sharpe’s axing should be confirmed when the NRL releases its refereeing appointments on Tuesday afternoon.

There were suggestions Todd Smith could also be dropped but he is expected to adjudicate an NRL game this coming round.

With August looming, the NRL will shortly need to start defining which referees will control the September finals.

Originally published as NRL referee Belinda Sharpe demoted to touch line duties after subpar performances