LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
NRL fans have been left divided following a controversial sin bin incident involving Manly forward Toff Sipley and Dragons player Mat Feagai.
Sipley was sent off for a bizarre hip-drop tackle on Feagai, which resulted in the Dragons winger suffering a broken ankle and syndesmosis injury, sidelining him for up to three months.
The unique nature of the incident has left many questioning the severity of Sipley's dangerous contact charge, which has not received a grading.
The confusion surrounding the incident, initially thought to be a penalty for a high tackle by Siosiua Taukeiaho, has sparked debate among fans.
Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans suggested that Sipley may have been affected by an accidental elbow to the head, leading to the hip-drop tackle.
Despite passing a head injury assessment, Cherry-Evans pointed out the potential impact on Sipley's actions during the tackle.
While Cherry-Evans' theory was debunked by Sipley passing the HIA, fans have been vocal on social media about whether the sin bin was warranted for the incident.
The injury to Feagai, coupled with the unusual circumstances of the tackle, has added to the controversy surrounding the match.
The news of Feagai's lengthy absence due to the injury has further fueled discussions about player safety and the consequences of on-field actions.
The incident, which resulted in both players facing repercussions, has highlighted the physical risks faced by NRL players during intense matches.
As the debate continues among NRL fans and experts, the aftermath of the sin bin drama has left a lasting impact on both teams involved in the match.
With Feagai sidelined for a significant period and Sipley facing a potential suspension, the consequences of the incident have raised questions about player welfare and the overall enforcement of safety measures within the sport.