The NRL Judiciary System: A Fair Dinkum Chook Raffle?
If you’ve watched a round of rugby league and felt angry afterwards, you’re not alone. Each week, it’s becoming increasingly challenging for genuine and long-standing fans to understand what constitutes a suspendable offence and what foul play will be overlooked or brushed aside.
The growing frustration among fans is not unfounded. There is a noticeable pattern where the same players seem to escape consequences for similar actions. This has led to speculation about preferential treatment for certain players within the league. Fans are beginning to question whether the system is truly fair or if there are underlying biases at play.
Benji Marshall recently voiced his concerns about the double standards and confusing rules after a win over the Bulldogs. His comments highlighted a valid point: two tackles with a shoulder to the head resulted in different outcomes. Stephen Crichton stayed on the field, while Alex Seyfarth was sin-binned. Even the Bulldogs skipper appeared to acknowledge that he should have been in trouble but got off scot-free.
Without the weekly explanations from Graham Annesley, there was no justification between the two rulings. While it’s impossible to cover every example throughout the season, focusing on Round 22 reveals enough inconsistencies to raise serious questions about the system’s fairness.
Examples of Inconsistencies
Last weekend, three players were suspended from 13 charges. Alex Seyfarth received the highest penalty with three games, followed by Felise Kaufusi with two and Jesse Colquhoun with one week. Among those fined were current or past representative stars such as Crichton, Brian To’o, James Tedesco, Eli Katoa, and Reece Walsh. Others charged included Samuel Healey, Luke Brooks, David Klemmer, and Alex Twal.
Looking at the replays and official documents on the league’s website, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of double standards creeping into the game. Let’s examine some of the incidents:
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Kaufusi: He tackled Warriors player Jacob Laban with weight directly on the lower leg, resulting in a broken leg. The NRL should have been tougher with the charge.
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Walsh: His tackle on Rabbitohs winger Tyrone Munro was a textbook example of a no-wrap shoulder charge. He was not punished on-field and only later hit with a $1,000 fine. This seems contradictory to the league’s goals.
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To’o: His high tackle on Phillip Sami was almost missed by the Bunker. The force of the tackle caused Sami’s ear to wobble, leading to concussion protocols. After a protest, To’o was fined $750, which seems minimal for such an incident.
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Tedesco: His knee to the head of Lehi Hopoate was unintentional but still resulted in a $1,000 fine. This highlights the need for responsibility in all actions, regardless of intent.
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Crichton and Seyfarth: The difference in their punishments for similar actions raises further questions about consistency. Crichton’s tackle left Taylan May needing a head injury assessment, yet he was not suspended.
The Complexity of the System
The Match Review Committee’s decisions often leave fans confused. For instance, Jesse Colquhoun received a one-week suspension for a hip drop tackle against the Cowboys, despite the involvement of multiple teammates. This raises the question: were his actions more serious than those of Walsh, To’o, Tedesco, and Crichton?
While it’s not always easy to compare different offences, the system’s complexity makes it difficult for fans to understand the reasoning behind each decision. The NRL’s explanation can sometimes be used to argue against their own decisions, leaving fans frustrated and uncertain.
Even with Graham Annesley’s previous briefings, the inconsistencies remained, albeit with added PR spin. This is not an isolated issue; it has occurred over multiple weeks, leading to growing dissatisfaction among fans.
The Need for Simplification
The process needs to be simplified. If an action looks like a high tackle and results in a concussed player, it should warrant a suspension, regardless of the team logo or number on the back of the shirt. Fans deserve clarity and consistency in the application of rules to ensure the integrity of the game remains intact.