Print
Category: Received
Hits: 70

Brisbane's Kevin Walters has an ally in Melbourne mentor Craig Bellamy with the coaching duo calling for a review of the controversial hip-drop tackle after the costly sin-binning of Pat Carrigan during Thursday night's NRL clash.

The Broncos lock was placed on report and joined teammates Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth in being sent to the sin-bin at AAMI Park during a chaotic match won by the Storm 24-16.

Carrigan was given his 10 minutes at the 55 minute mark, with the Storm kicking a penalty to go ahead 12-10.

And the sin bin had further consequences for Brisbane with the Storm scoring through centre Justin Olam while the Queensland State of Origin star was on the sidelines.

Carrigan's tackle on Nelson Asofa-Solomona seemed innocent with the lock appeared to be sliding down the Storm prop's legs with his feet never leaving the ground.

Walters didn't see that Carrigan, who was visibly frustrated as he left the field, did anything wrong.

"He slid down his legs ... the NRL want you to slide down the legs and Patty did that," Walters said.

Asked if the hip-drop tackle needs to be addressed by the NRL, Walters said: "Definitely. You wouldn't like to see it happen in a grand final, someone get sin-binned for that."

Storm coach Bellamy backed Walters when asked about the about the hip-drop tackle, which has become a talking point this season.

"I think they are very inconsistent with it," Bellamy said.

"Patrick was very unlucky to go to the sin bin.

"I am thinking along the lines that Kevvie's (Walters) thinking, it was a tough decision to send him to the sin bin."

Last month the Australian Rugby League Commission asked the NRL to provide more clarity to coaches on what a hip-drop tackle is after a spate of controversial suspensions and sin bins.

Carrigan is in danger of missing Brisbane's clash next round against premiers Penrith given he was rubbed out for four games last season for a hip drop tackle on Jackson Hastings.

The Broncos are already set to lose their captain Adam Reynolds, who suffered a neck and shoulder injury and concussion during the Storm game, although was cleared of serious damage.

Melbourne centre Reimis Smith was also placed on report for a dangerous tackle in the first half of a fiery affair.

Flegler was sin-binned for a scuffle and Farnworth for a professional foul so should face no further penalty.

© AAP 2023