NRL Sunday LIVE: Andrew Johns Delivers Legendary Rant Amidst Controversial Sin Bin Enforcement

Andrew Johns has launched a fierce critique of the “absurd” sin bin decisions witnessed during the round eight fixtures.

The controversy kicked off on Thursday evening, with the Bulldogs bearing the brunt of officiating decisions, escalating significantly on Saturday night when Manly triumphed over the Panthers.

Both Scott Sorensen and Siosiua Taukieaho received their marching orders for high contact incidents, with the Penrith forward now facing a two-match suspension.

While discussing the situation on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, the rugby league Immortal expressed his frustration regarding the NRL’s latest crackdown and the potential repercussions for the fans.

“They want players to tackle lower, but if Scott Sorensen goes low on Nathan Brown, he’s going to knock himself out cold,” Johns remarked.

“If he tries to wrap his arms, he risks dislocating his shoulder — he has to brace himself and create some space. I have no clue what the NRL envisions for this type of tackle, and they need to clarify their stance tomorrow.”

“For that to result in a two-week suspension is completely ludicrous; the crackdown and the sin bin trends are ridiculous. It’s beyond a laugh and frankly embarrassing. The exhaustive scrutiny from the Bunker during play … it should strictly be reserved for try-scoring moments.”

“Going back eight plays where referees, touch judges, and players overlook something and send someone to the sin bin is utterly absurd.”

“Next week is Magic Round. We’re a working-class game, with our supporters typically being working-class folk who save up all year for Magic Round. It would be disgraceful for them to witness this game turned into a farce.”

“I’m extremely frustrated with it, and I imagine the players share that frustration.”

“Who really owns this game? The fans. Without them tuning in, we lose broadcast rights, and without fans attending matches, there’s no financial viability.”

“I’d suggest they are probably more frustrated than I am.”

“You cannot completely eliminate accidents from the field… I’m not sure how we’ve arrived at this point or whose decision it was, but there needs to be an explanation presented tomorrow.”