Queensland legend Corey Parker has labelled it a “farce” that Ashley Klein seemingly overruled the Bunker official to send Kalyn Ponga off in State of Origin 1. But NRL boss Graham Annesley has issued a public statement supporting the decision and the process that was used.
Klein gave Ponga his marching orders for a shoulder charge to the head of Tolu Koula. With Queensland a man down they relinquished a 20-6 lead to lose 22-20.
Channel 9 audio appeared to pick up that Klein disagreeing with Bunker official Chris Butler, who seemingly advised Klein that it was only a sin-bin instead of a full send-off. Klein could be heard saying: “I understand what you’re saying but it’s shoulder straight to the head. It’s an illegal play.”
Ashley Klein sent Kalyn Ponga off.
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
It was highly unusual to hear the on-field ref overrule the Bunker official, as usually the Bunker has the final say. Discussing the situation on SEN radio on Thursday, Parker questioned why the NRL paid $22 million to bring in the Bunker and then not use it.
“After digesting what I witnessed, the still shots we have seen and the wording that goes with it is incorrect,” Parker declared. “The Bunker thought it was incorrect. Klein was still adamant. He called illegal play.
“Hang on a second, if we have this $22 million facility with cameras everywhere then take a leaf out of their book. Surely that’s the last big game Klein gets.”
NRL supports Ashley Klein decision and process
Even NSW great Greg Alexander agreed. “There was a conversation going on with the Bunker and Ashley was adamant as though he had advice otherwise. He was adamant it was shoulder to the head with force,” Alexander said.
“It’s a high shot but not worthy of a send-off. Contact with the head yes, sin bin yes, force yes. There was no intent. He turns his body to brace himself for impact, that’s all he did. Contact was made, bin him but no contact. It’s not a send off.”
But responding to the controversy on Thursday, the NRL’s GM of elite competitions Annesley ticked off the decision and process. “This incident involved clear and forceful shoulder-to-head and head-to head contact with no mitigating factors,” Annesley said.
“Player safety is extremely important and the game will make no apology for taking strong action on foul play.” Importantly, Annesley said under the laws of the game the on-field referee has the final say on foul play.