NRL coaches have united in their call for the NRL to reconsider its sin-bin rules, after a spate of controversial decisions in recent weeks.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was the most vocal critic, suggesting that the current system is not working and that it is too easy for players to be sent to the sin bin.
I think we’ve swung too far in terms of sending players to the sin bin, Robinson said. I think we need to look at it again and make sure that the punishment fits the crime.
Robinson’s comments were echoed by a number of other NRL coaches, including Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire and Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.
I agree with Trent, Maguire said. I think the sin bin is being used too often and it’s not having the desired effect. It’s actually making the game worse.
Cleary added: I think we need to find a better balance. The sin bin is a good tool, but it shouldn’t be used as a knee-jerk reaction.
The NRL’s head of football, Graham Annesley, said he would be open to discussing the issue with the coaches.
We’re always open to feedback from the coaches, Annesley said. We’ll have a look at what they’ve said and see if there’s anything we can do to improve the system.
The NRL’s sin-bin rules have been a source of controversy for several years.
In 2016, the NRL introduced a new rule that allowed referees to send players to the sin bin for any professional foul. This rule was designed to reduce the number of cynical fouls in the game.
However, the new rule has been criticized for being too harsh. In some cases, players have been sent to the sin bin for minor offenses. This has led to some coaches and players calling for the rule to be changed.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
