Andrew Johns expressed his frustration during the recent match between the Sydney Roosters and the Brisbane Broncos, which culminated in a one-sided victory for the Broncos, scoring 50 points at Allianz Stadium. A particular incident in the second half involving Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton drew significant attention and discontent from Johns.
Crichton delivered a strong hit on Broncos playmaker Ben Hunt just as Hunt was kicking the ball. Initially, the on-field officials, including Gerard Sutton, did not call a penalty for the tackle. This led to discontent from Broncos captain Adam Reynolds, who was vocally critical of the decision.
After some deliberation, the decision was reversed, and Crichton was penalised for the late shot. Commentator Mat Thompson noted this moment, highlighting Reynolds’ reactions from the sideline. Johns, however, found the decision bewildering, particularly given his long-standing advocacy for protecting kickers yet acknowledged that some contact is unavoidable in play.
In his analysis, Johns pointed out the timing of the hit, stating, “He kicks the ball and it’s simultaneous”, and emphasised that the contact was not head-high. He maintained that pressure on halfbacks is a fundamental aspect of the game, suggesting that, in his view, the shot did not warrant a penalty.
Despite the controversy, it appears that Crichton may not face any further action from the match review committee. His potential absence would be a setback for the Roosters, already missing key players like Spencer Leniu and Victor Radley. Coach Trent Robinson echoed a somewhat tempered viewpoint, acknowledging the incident as a late hit but not one deserving of a suspension.
Overall, while the match outcome was clear, the incident involving Crichton has sparked a debate on player safety and officiating decisions in the NRL, reflecting persistent tensions regarding player conduct and the enforcement of rules on the field.