Billy Slater has raised concerns about the officiating of Gerard Sutton in the recent clash between the Roosters and Dolphins, which turned chaotic with four players sent to the sin bin. The match featured a significant melee instigated mainly by Spencer Leniu and Aublix Tawha, leading to their dismissal alongside Francis Molo and Naufahu Whyte, resulting in a temporary shift to 11-a-side play.
All four players faced fines for their roles in the incident, with Molo also potentially facing a suspension due to a high tackle. However, Slater’s main criticism was directed not at the players but at how Sutton managed the situation. He expressed concern about Sutton’s directive to the Bunker, where he requested two players from each team be penalised rather than assessing the situation based on merit. Slater argued that this approach undermines the fairness of refereeing, suggesting that it could lead to a dangerous precedent in the future where teams might intentionally incite brawls to sideline key players from the opposing team.
Other football commentators have also weighed in on the incident. Corey Parker criticised Leniu’s behaviour, describing him as “carrying on like a pork chop” and suggesting that the Dolphins players were largely innocent in the matter. Andrew Johns acknowledged the precarious line Leniu walks with his actions on the field, while Brad Fittler expressed concern that such behaviour could negatively impact the Roosters during crucial playoff moments.
Looking ahead, Leniu will be fit to play in the upcoming match against the Bulldogs. The NRL may need to reassess how incidents like this are handled, especially regarding the balance between maintaining order on the field and ensuring fairness in officiating.