Wests Tigers captain Api Koroisau has been controversially sin binned 18 minutes into his side’s Round 19 clash with the Cronulla Sharks.
Koroisau was sent to the bin by referee Adam Gee after he was adjudged to have tackled Ronaldo Mulitalo while not square at market, preventing the Sharks from attacking at a broken Tigers defensive line.
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“Not square,” Gee was heard saying as he gave the Tigers No.9 his marching orders.
Koroisau attempted to challenge the decision, but Gee informed him he was unable to.
“You can’t challenge markers,” the referee said.
Koroisau pleaded his case with the referee, arguing he was square at marker when he tackled the Sharks winger.
“I was square,” Koroisau said.
“You didn’t get there in time,” Gee replied, before reiterating to Koroisau “you can’t challenge markers.”
“It’s a judgement call, that’s why you can’t challenge it,” Fox League’s Dan Ginnane explained in commentary.
Fox League’s Corey Parker wasn’t convinced the hooker should’ve been sent to the sin bin.
“Frustrating for Api Koroisau, who wanted to challenge that he didn’t get square. It would be a fair challenge if he did,” Parker said.
“He was standing there in front.
“(Braydon) Trindall (who played the ball) rocks out to his left. I would suggest, in my opinion, Api Koroisau was standing in front.”
Koroisau was the 14th Tiger to be sent to the sin bin this season, making them the most sin binned team in a single season throughout the NRL era.
While he was off the field the Sharks crossed for one try through Sione Katoa and nearly scored through Jesse Ramien in the final moments before Koroisau returned.
“After a great chase I feel like Api’s got himself square enough there, and if he allows whoeever jumped out at nine another step he’s passed Api then,” Souths hooker Damien Cook said on Fox League’s half-time coverage.
“I think he (Api) did everything right.
“Bit harsh to be in the bin.”
“Even though his body was leaning towards where the ball was going, that’s Mulitalo who jumped out of dummy half. You watch Api’s feet get back. (He) just got back square,” Greg Alexander added.
“It’s a tough penalty.”
Source Agencies
