LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL world was left in shock as Max Plath of the Dolphins committed a controversial hip-drop tackle during their match against the struggling Titans, resulting in an unwanted piece of history for the Titans.
The Dolphins managed to secure a 30-14 victory, propelling them to the top of the NRL ladder.
However, the win came at a cost as Plath faces a potential suspension for his reckless tackle.
The hip-drop tackle has become a contentious issue in the rugby league community, with calls for it to be eradicated from the game due to the high risk of serious injury.
In a game-changing moment, with the Titans leading 10-6 in the first half, Plath executed a dangerous hip-drop tackle on Titans winger Phillip Sami, causing him to collapse in pain.
The severity of the tackle was evident as Sami clutched his injured ankle, prompting commentary from Dan Ginnane and Corey Parker highlighting the reckless nature of the act.
Despite their victory, the Dolphins will now have to navigate the fallout from Plath's actions as they look to maintain their position at the top of the ladder.
The NRL community remains divided on the issue, with debates raging on the future of the hip-drop tackle in the game.