LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Sharks coach Craig Fitzgibbon is feeling the pressure of a possible crackdown on high tackles as his team questions the consistency of sin bin decisions after a controversial call sparked a Warriors comeback in their recent match.
Fitzgibbon, a former NRL player himself, expressed his concerns about the increasing focus on high shots just before the finals, especially after one of his star players, Kayal Iro, was sin binned for a tackle that many felt was not severe enough to warrant such punishment.
This decision allowed the Warriors to quickly score two tries, with retiring player Shaun Johnson leading his team to an unexpected victory.
Despite leading 22-4 at halftime, the Sharks found themselves trailing in the second half as the Warriors capitalized on Iro's absence to score crucial points.
The focus shifted to referee Chris Butler's decision to penalize Iro for what he deemed to be repeated acts of foul play, including high and late tackles.
While Fitzgibbon acknowledged that the sin binning wasn't the sole reason for their defeat, he expressed concern about the lack of consistency in handling high contact incidents.
The coach, known for his no-nonsense approach, refrained from sharing his full thoughts on the matter but hinted at his frustration with the situation.
As the NRL finals approach, the Sharks will need to regroup and address their defensive discipline to avoid falling victim to similar contentious decisions in crucial matches.
The team will need to stay vigilant and adapt to any changes in officiating standards to secure their place in the playoffs.