Bennett’s criticism of bunker ’doesn’t cut the mustard’
SORRY Wayne, if the offence is serious, the game will be stopped.
The NRL has hit back at Souths coach Wayne Bennett, who blasted the bunker’s insistence at stopping play — and killing momentum — by reviewing incidents that have occurred up to three and four tackles earlier.
Bennett was fired up with the bunker, which continue to stop play up to a minute after an alleged indiscretion before forcing referees to return to the spot and punish offending players.
NRL head of football, Graham Annesley, stressed the rule would remain and that Bennett’s criticism “doesn’t cut the mustard”.
Sharks halfback Chad Townsend was penalised two tackles after an incident with South Sydney’s Cody Walker on Saturday night, while Manly played a full set before play was stopped and the bunker penalised Brisbane’s Tevita Pangai.
“We always have to reserve the right for players who have committed major offences to be picked up during the game whether it’s immediately or in the following play because that can have a big impact on the game,” Annesley said.
“These days, if a player is put on report or sent to the sin bin, then that has an impact on the team that was offended against because they get a free interchange if the player was placed on report.
“And they get to activate their 18th man if the player was sent to the sin bin. So just suggesting serious incidents should be left up to the match review committee if they’re missed during the run of play, I don’t think that cuts the mustard.”
Annesley did though concede some lesser offences would be overlooked to ensure a freeflowing game.
“Wayne’s got a point,” Annesley said.