The NRL has backed the decision of Ashley Klein to send Kalyn Ponga off in Origin I, confirming the referee had the right to make the final call even though Bunker official Chris Butler had access to multiple camera angles and a more comprehensive view of the contentious tackle.
Ponga ironed out NSW winger Tolu Koula in the 57th minute of Wednesday’s Origin opener, before Klein was heard telling Butler he thought the Queensland fullback deserved to be dismissed.
Fans watching at home were confused when Klein told Butler, “I get that, mate”, and, “I know what you’re saying”, which suggested the Bunker had not entirely agreed with Klein’s stance.
Butler believed Ponga deserved “at least a sin bin”.
Under the rules, the Bunker can make calls on decisions in general play, including tries. But when it comes to foul play, the referee, while able to call on the Bunker for guidance, has the final say.
Butler also needed a couple of minutes to decide if any action was required when Canberra duo Hudson Young and Ethan Strange charged in to start a melee following Ponga’s hit.
The Maroons led 20-6 when Ponga was sent off. NSW rallied against 12 men, roaring back to win 22-20.
NRL head of football Graham Annesley backed Klein and said on Thursday: “This incident involved clear and forceful shoulder-to-head and head-to head contact with no mitigating factors.
“Player safety is extremely important, and the game will make no apology for taking strong action on foul play. The communication between the on-field referee and the bunker official allowed for multiple views of the incident live and on replay.
“Confirmation of direct, forceful shoulder to head contact through a shoulder charge action meant the referee decided the correct course of action was to dismiss the player.”
Koula was cut across the right eye and suffered category-two concussion symptoms, and was later ruled out of the game.
He will miss Manly’s clash against Cronulla on Friday night but could return against South Sydney next weekend, providing the Sea Eagles receive clearance from an independent doctor.
Either way, his position on the left wing for NSW for Origin II is not under threat. Koula was in good spirits when he spoke to this masthead in the sheds, saying: “I remember most of it. I was rattled for a bit, but I’m sweet now.
“I felt it [the tackle], but I got my senses back quickly. I haven’t seen the replay, so I don’t know [if Ponga deserved to be sent off]. It’s part of the game. I’ve got no ill will towards him. It was still the best experience ever. It was crazy. I’m very grateful they [NSW] put the trust in me, and I gave my all to repay that trust and do this state proud.”
Ponga thought he had been given 10 minutes in the bin, and only learnt he had been sent off while sitting in the Queensland sheds.
He was charged with a grade-two shoulder charge and fined 13 per cent of his $30,000 match payment, or $6900.
Had he been hit with the same charge in a club game, Ponga would have faced a two-match ban. However, the NRL tweaked its judiciary policy in 2022 such that Origin players only face suspension from club matches if they are charged with a grade-three offence.
Ponga still had blood trickling from his left ear as a result of a head clash with Koula more than an hour after full-time, and blamed his dismissal on the Maroons’ defeat.
“I didn’t realise it was a send-off when I left,” Ponga said. “I thought it was 10 minutes [in the bin]. And to be honest, I thought they may have assessed me for a head knock.
“For them to play with 12 [players] for 20 minutes, and defend our line, the effort they put in, and for it to come down to the last minute and a half, it’s pretty heartbreaking. I was the reason that it happened.”
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