Warning on crackdown
Cherry-Evans backs NRL’s tough new stance but says balance needed
MANLY captain Daly CherryEvans has backed the NRL’s tough stance on foul play for the benefit of the game’s longterm future, but warns officials to find the right balance following a record 14 sin bins and three send offs in Magic Round.
A memorable weekend of games at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium was overshadowed by the league’s strict new crackdown, which also resulted in 10
charges, including Canberra prop Josh Papalii copping a three-week high tackle ban that rules him out of the opening Origin for Queensland.
League fans and legends alike have criticised the decision to take a harsher stance due to fears it would change the fabric of rugby league.
Cherry-Evans understands why the game needs to eradicate foul play, but believes it can’t be over the top when it comes to sin bins and send offs.
“I’m on board with what they are trying to do there, but I don’t think we’ve got the balancing of it all,” Cherry-Evans said.
“There were some incidents that players might consider as minor offences, so we are still going to get that teething from it.
“The game has got the game’s best interests at heart, so that is fine, and I think the players understand that, but we’ve just got to get the balancing act of it right.
“I think they (the NRL) have gone as hard as they possibly can, but I think somewhere in between is the right way.
“But it (the crackdown) is definitely going to be a good thing for this game, the longevity of it and enticing young kids to play the game.”
Cherry-Evans also doubles as the General President of the Rugby League Players’ Association and plans to contact RLPA CEO Clint Newton about the NRL’s tough focus.
“I’m sure I will have a chat to Newto about it (the crackdown),” he said.
“It will be interesting to see where he stands with it all.”
Cherry-Evans may not be happy with the record number of sin bins, but he wasn’t surprised to see it in action given the memo from ARLC chairman Peter V’landys was made clear during the week.
“I think the message came through that this was going to be a good thing for the game,” he said.
“We are trying to scare away that image that rugby league can often have with the thuggery.
“You can’t shoulder charge anymore; you can’t punch anymore, and you can’t hit someone high.”