'They've got to be fair': Legends fume as 'ridiculous' sin-bin costs Roosters dearly
Rugby league icons Phil Gould and Paul Gallen were both left scratching their heads after Roosters forward Siosiua Taukeiaho was sent to the sin bin for a controversial high shot during the Tricolours' 38-12 loss to Penrith.
With the Roosters holding a 12-6 lead midway through the first half, Taukeiaho's right arm hit Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary's head with significant force, which prompted referee Ashley Klein to send Taukeiaho to the sin bin.
However, Cleary appeared to slip and fall victim to the slippery surface brought on by the rain as he stumbled into head-high contact, leaving Taukeiaho with no chance to adjust his tackle.
The referee on the field reasoned that no mitigating circumstances existed, which Gould took exception to.
"No mitigating circumstances? It's slippery as hell out there. Anyway, that's the new world," Gould said on Nine's coverage.
Siosiua Taukeiaho of the Roosters is placed on report and sent to the Sin Bin by referee Ashley Klein during the round 15 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Panthers Stadium, on June 18, 2021, in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images) Getty
"His arm's down by his side; Cleary falls into him.
"They've got to be fair to the players - they really do. Incredible."
The Panthers during Taukeiaho's 10-minute spell crossed over for back-to-back tries through Brian To'o (23', 30') and owned possession as the Roosters' lead quickly evaporated.
Gallen said the referee's call ultimately put the Roosters in too big of a hole.
"Against 12 players it makes it a whole lot easier. [for the Panthers]," Gallen said.
"The referees have got to understand what sending a player to the sin bin does," Gallen said.
"Now the fact that he said there were no mitigating circumstances there was ridiculous. There was absolutely mitigating circumstances.
"It's been raining down here for an hour, it's slippery as well, you've got a big front-rower and a halfback with footwork.
"To be sent to the sin bin for that is a very, very tough one - and I am not condoning hits to the head whatsoever."
Cleary after the game was asked if he slipped into the tackle, to which he admitted he did.
"Honestly, I fell into it," Clearly told Nine after the match.
"But I knew I got hit around the head and the referee just a made a decision."
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