By Christian Nicolussi
Sharks Stadium: You know the game has a problem when one of the game’s greatest coaches is unsure what constitutes a hip-drop tackle.
South Sydney were soundly beaten 27-12 by Cronulla on Saturday afternoon, and now risk losing their fullback Jye Gray because of a tackle on Sifa Talakai approaching the hour mark at Sharks Stadium.
Referee Gerard Sutton placed Gray on report while Talakai came from the field with a left ankle injury.
Souths can ill afford to lose Gray for next Thursday’s showdown with premiers Penrith, especially with Latrell Mitchell still a couple of weeks away from returning from a hamstring injury.
Souths coach Wayne Bennett saw the incident, but was genuinely stumped as to what the rules were surrounding the controversial tackle.
Melbourne’s Cam Munster was cleared of a tackle on Penrith’s Liam Martin on Thursday night, yet there was still uncertainty about what the outcome would be until the match review committee handed down their findings the following day.
Jye Gray was placed on report for this hip-drop tackle on Sifa TalakaiCredit: Fox League
“I’m not sure – I’m not sure what a hip-drop is to be honest with you,” Bennett said.
“I’m not saying that sarcastically. It’s a pretty confusing lot of rules around that. I’m not a real good judge of hip-drop tackles.”
Cronulla counterpart Craig Fitzgibbon also said the tackles were hard to define, but was also glad there had only been a couple of examples across the opening three rounds.
“They’re always an accidental action, but it’s an unfortunate one,” Fitzgibbon said.
Rabbitohs fullback Jye Gray.Credit: NRL Photos
“Hopefully Sifa is alright. I haven’t seen a great deal of hip-drops in the opening rounds.
“It’s hard. We’ve had players have their ankles require surgery, and they [the NRL] tell us it’s not a hip drop.
“Then we have players suspended two weeks, and the [tackled] player doesn’t get hurt.”
The game was over by half-time when the Sharks shot out to a 20-0 lead.
Two of their tries were spectacular, including an 80m effort started and finished by Will Kennedy, and a 100m effort which featured Ronaldo Mulitalo casually scoop up a kick in his own in-goal, then pass to Kennedy who sent Kayal Iro on his way.
Captain Cam McInnes always enjoyed the view of one of the game’s best backlines do their thing.
“You definitely appreciate it,” McInnes said.
“They’ve got that X-factor, but they roll their sleeves up, too. They’re not one-trick ponies. I’m pleased for them today. But they charge every week.”
Braydon Trindall was arguably the best player on the park, kicking two 40-20s, and slotting the field-goal on full-time just for fun. Nicho Hynes was also impressive on a brilliant sunny afternoon in the Shire in front of 14,320 fans.
Back-rower Teig Wilton was excellent on the left edge, but the Sharks did lose Braden Hamlin-Uele with half an hour remaining because of a knee complaint.
Had they played smarter in Las Vegas, Cronulla should be unbeaten after three rounds. Next Saturday’s match at home against Canterbury will be a belter.
Souths were gassed early, but did well to hang in the game like they did in the second half. They also have plenty of big artillery to return, including Mitchell, who is likely to be back in a fortnight for the grudge match with the Roosters.
Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.