Cooper Cronk has been marched for ten minutes by referee Gerard Sutton for holding back a NSW Blues attacked in Wade Graham off an attacking kick.
Immediately, NSW Blues great called it a “ridiculous decision”, saying you “can’t make a call like that in Origin”.
No NSW, or even Queensland, fans can accuse the best player ever to don the blue jersey of bias.
» Follow the live scores of Origin 3 here
Joey’s point is that traditionally Origin has been left to the players to sort out, with minimal penalties, with the whistle-blowers generally putting the pea away. And who would question
The question is, after six penalties, a couple on the Queensland line, how far can a team take it in Origin before they face the prospect of a man being sent to the bin.
Interestingly, it was Cronk’s second time being sent to the sin bin in Origin, having also been sent in 2012. He became the eighth player to be binned in multiple Origins.
In this case NSW players were crying ‘professional foul’ with the man held back, Wade Graham, particularly adamant about the call.
There was no reverting to the video ref to check the decision – Gerard Sutton at least got on with it out on the field.
It followes a series of misdemeanours by Queensland, and was probably more a product of continual penalties at the wrong end than being a professional foul.
In the first half of Origin 3 the penalty count was 9-1, and yet NSW only took a 6-4 lead into the half time break. It was testament to some poor attack from NSW, but also the signal of desperate defence by the Queenslanders.
As the teams walked off the field, it was clear the Queenslanders had spent a lot of energy just trying to keep the Blues out.
Losing a man in rugby league is tough. Losing a player in Origin is one of the toughest things a team can face.
What do you think Roarers? Should Cronk have been sent to the bin?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Greg Inglis Knock On is four words...
Remo Shankar
Roar Pro
Of course he had to go - repeat offenders never learn, that's why they're repeat offenders...
celtic bandaid
Guest
Yes but if you disagree consider these 2 words-Barry Gommersall Plus another 3 - Greg Inglis Knock On
celtic bandaid
Guest
The Refs were in their 30's and 40's that day goose . The people playing that were playing were 19 years and over up to their early 30's. It was an A Grade game in the Penrith District Junior Rugby League. Grades go from U/6 to A Grade and A Reserve where it is open age. Years ago in NSW these Junior Leagues were right across Sydney providing a platform to Third Grade ( at one stage U/23) Reserve Grade through to First Grade. Then the NSWRFL let a team called the Broncos into their competition and they didn't like being told what to do. This meant they didn't have lower grades,didn't like the judiciary, didn't like the scheduling. So they took their ball and went home and formed a thing called Super League which like professional wrestling meant they had to win. Funny enough they did.
Ches
Guest
Yes. Blues should have got a penalty try. Cronk ain't dumb, he knew WG would score. That is why he did it. Even though he got binned he won that battle as QLD were still in it right to the end and NSW got no try. Cronk 1 Refs 0. Great footballing brain.
Brian George
Guest
When I first found "The Roar" I thought the title "Guru"{ actually meant something in terms of knowledge. Unfortunately I discovered that it actually means you've made enough "comments' (regardless of how ridiculous they are) to qualify for the "title". Sadly you are an indictment on that system.
Brian George
Guest
Seriously Squid, you'd be more popular at a bar mitzvah if you dusted yourself in flour and deep fried yourself - more accurate too.
Brian George
Guest
Baz was awake at the time Josh posted - unfortunately it's taken him until just after lunch to work out a comeback...
Leviathan
Roar Rookie
19/19 Baz. Great comment
apaway
Roar Guru
Yes. Even in isolation Cronk prevented a try-scoring opportunity with deliberate foul play. In the rule-book, that's a sin-bin offence.
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
I agree with the decusion and its a pleasure to hear Queenslanders complain about the ref for a change.
matth
Guest
I think 60/40 try, not without a doubt. Apart from anything else: 1. He still has to ground it and footballs tend to bounce funny, and 2. If Cronk had not grabbed him, but had still (legally) given him a bump, who knows what would have happened. But definitely 10 in the bin.
Baz
Guest
Josh you are a supreme educator, siting up until 1:15am to assist a fellow with his spelling and display such humanity with your concern for his welfare.
db
Guest
It's not the Queensland players complaining. They seem to be taking it in their stride. It's the supporters who are complaining.
Marshall
Guest
He's upgraded to running 30m to put a bloke in a sleeper hold from behind while he's not looking. Soon he might actually start acting with a bit of integrity! Well, a man can dream.
Ron
Guest
NSW were saying all series that these ref were not up to the task. QLD were saying you cant blame the ref. Stop complaining. After having the calls go the other way it is interesting to see the attitude change.
P
Guest
If the game wasn't a dead rubber, I doubt Sutton would have binned him.
Cedric
Guest
similar to Mannerings and Cronulla were awarded a PENALTY TRY! Clearly it was a try or 10 in the bin. Qld did that many professional fouls to slow NSW down, but Cronks was clearly OTT! But it worked for Qld, they kept NSW from scoring during that hot patch! I think NSW were very lucky to win, given several factors, including all that possession and the Fifita try!!!!!!
D T
Guest
Cooper Conk had to go! Qld are lucky it was a penalty try, if Cronk doesn't grab Graham he scores without a doubt! People need to watch the replay!
Squidward
Roar Rookie
It was a more obvious professional foul than Mannerings professional foul against Sharks.