LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The NRL is currently facing significant pushback following a crackdown on high tackles that resulted in 18 players being sent to the sin-bin during round eight.
This figure surpasses the combined total of the previous two weekends and matches the number of players sin-binned in the first five rounds of the season.
Furthermore, six players have received a total of 13 games' worth of suspensions, with Penrith's Scott Sorensen and Tigers prop Fonua Pole contesting their cases at the judiciary.
Coaches, players, fans, and commentators alike are expressing concerns about the implications of this crackdown as the NRL approaches its Magic Round in Brisbane.
The round got underway with incidents that saw three Bulldogs and a Bronco penalized for high shots, reducing two teams to 13 players each for a significant portion of the match.
This led to a skewed contest, with the Brisbane Broncos ultimately defeating the Canterbury Bulldogs 42-18.
Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo described the game as "hard to watch," indicating that his frustration extended beyond just witnessing his team lose for the first time this season.
The reactions have ignited a debate within the rugby league community about the impact of strict enforcement of high tackle penalties on the game.
As this policy continues to influence match outcomes, the sentiment around its execution remains heavily scrutinized, raising questions about the balance between player safety and the integrity of the sport.