LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The NRL has issued a stern warning to players, reminding them that forceful contact with officials will not be tolerated on the field.
The recent ban of Sharks fullback Will Kennedy for running into referee Adam Gee has sent a clear message to all clubs.
Kennedy faced a potential two-week suspension for his actions, but the Sharks decided to accept the one-week ban to avoid further penalties.
With star player Nicho Hynes already sidelined with an injury, Cronulla couldn't afford to lose another key player from their spine.
While some fans argue that Kennedy was simply trying to support his teammate during a break, the NRL insists that players must take responsibility for avoiding contact with officials at all costs.
Kennedy's incident follows a similar suspension earlier in the season for Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes, highlighting the NRL's zero-tolerance policy towards referee contact.
Players have been reminded that they can't simply disappear into thin air when it comes to interacting with officials, and any forceful contact will be met with swift disciplinary action.
The NRL is standing firm on this issue, sending a clear warning to all players to respect the authority of the officials on the field.