LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Andrew Johns' recent commentary boycott during the Cronulla vs.
Wests Tigers game has spotlighted deep frustrations with NRL officials.
The incident occurred when Johns, commentating for Channel 9, refused to call the last 23 minutes of the match in what he termed a "silent protest." This was prompted by the sin-binning of Fonua Pole for an innocuous head contact deemed sufficient for a sin-bin by the Bunker official, amidst a troubling trend of 18 sin-binnings in Round 8 alone.
Reports indicate that the decision was particularly contentious as Pole's contact with Tom Hazleton did not warrant such a severe penalty-neither player exhibited any signs of injury, and no head injury assessment was required.
A similar scenario unfolded when Manly forward Sio Siua Taukeiaho was penalized for an innocuous tackle on Isaiah Papalii, underscoring the inconsistency and perceived overreach of officiating.
In the aftermath, NRL CEO Andrew Abdo acknowledged that both sin-binnings should not have occurred and declared a shift in policy, stating the Bunker would intervene only for serious foul play in the future.
Prior to this admission, Johns expressed his frustration on the Sunday Footy Show, culminating in his decision to stop commentating midway through the game.
Journalists Danny Weidler and Michael Chammas discussed the significance of Johns' protest, emphasizing that it reflects serious issues within the NRL.
Weidler noted, "I found it really hard to watch," and expressed intrigue about Johns' decision to remain silent for the final portion of the match.
In summary, Johns' actions have stirred a conversation about the NRL's officiating practices, with calls for a reassessment of current policies and greater consistency in game officiating.