In the wake of the NRL 2026 season, Trent Robinson, the head coach of the Sydney Roosters, voiced his displeasure regarding a penalty called for a high shot against Nat Butcher.
During the Roosters' 14-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm, Robinson labeled the penalty "laughable" and criticized the focus of referees during NRL matches.
The penalty was imposed in the 55th minute when Butcher was cited for a dangerous tackle involving Melbourne's Alec MacDonald, a play in which Butcher barely touched MacDonald's hair.
This incident is one of two that has garnered attention following the low-scoring match, and it ultimately allowed the Storm to score their first points of the game, an outcome that left Robinson in disbelief.
"Honestly. I mean how do you fine that?" Robinson remarked, expressing his frustration.
"Why would a referee even look at that… I mean it was laughable, it was completely laughable."