Massive Backlash Following Last Week: NRL Enforces Crackdown as Hudson Young Sent Off in Frenzied Second Half

Rugby league faces potential scrutiny once again.

Just days after the NRL circulated an email addressing high contact incidents from round four and the noticeable absence of sin bins, Raiders star Hudson Young found himself under the spotlight from officials during a heated clash against Cronulla on Thursday night.

With the match tied at 18-18 in the second half, Young was unexpectedly penalised for a tackle on Sharks skipper Cameron McInnes from a previous play.

Referee Todd Smith called out Young, along with captain Joseph Tapine, before sending the back-rower off, leading to disbelief from Young himself.

Brad Fittler didn’t agree with the call and raised concerns about the level of force involved.

“That’s an enormous reaction compared to what happened last weekend,” Fittler commented on Nine.

“He’s standing his ground and moving backwards.”

Cronulla’s former premiership-winning captain also contested the decision, stating, “That’s a massive call – I don’t think it was that forceful,” said Paul Gallen.

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The backlash from Young’s sin bin appeared to impact the Green Machine, who conceded another penalty just moments later, allowing the Sharks to convert a penalty goal and take the lead.

However, in a stunning twist in the closing minutes, Young orchestrated what could be the try of the season, culminating in Seb Kris scoring untouched.

“That’s as remarkable a try as you will ever see,” Cameron Smith remarked on Nine.

In his post-match comments, Young reflected that his response to the situation would have been different earlier in his career and he doesn’t anticipate issues at the judiciary.

“I was obviously very disappointed to let the team down,” he shared with Nine.

“Truthfully, I don’t believe it was significant.

“I had to keep my emotions in check and spend my ten minutes in the sin bin. A few years back, I would have reacted far more intensely, but I managed to control myself this time.”

Young’s sin bin wasn’t the only contentious moment in the fixture, as Kaeo Weekes had a try denied by the Bunker after a penalty was awarded against his teammate Matty Nicholson for obstruction.

Gallen was also critical of that decision, suggesting the try should have been allowed to stand.