Queensland coach Billy Slater has expressed his astonishment at the NRL's decision not to impose any penalty on Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton for his high tackle on Dragons rookie Setu Tu.
On The Billy Slater Podcast, the former fullback emphasized that the responsibility falls mainly on the defender to ensure their tackles adhere to the legal guidelines, especially when attacking players are in vulnerable positions.
"I think it's hugely the responsibility of the defender to make sure your tackle is legal," Slater remarked.
"So I'm actually really surprised that Stephen Crichton didn't cop any charge, even if it's just a fine."
"I just think you've got a huge duty of care to a player that's got no ability to protect themself while playing the game."
Slater's observations followed the Match Review Committee's decision to let Crichton off without any charges for his tackle on Tu, which ignited lively discussions among rugby league fans.
While the incident did lead to a penalty during the game, the absence of any further repercussions raised concerns, particularly in light of the NRL's ongoing stance against high contact.
The fact that Crichton was not penalized for his risky defensive actions has led to questions about the consistency of the league's approach to similar incidents.
It remains uncertain whether the league will adopt a stricter review process for such cases in the future, but Slater's insights have amplified the demand for a more consistent handling of high tackles.