NRL Supports Ponga Send-Off as Origin Debate Erupts Further
NRL head of football Graham Annesley said the referee had final say after Kalyn Ponga’s shoulder charge left Tolu Koula concussed.
- On Thursday, the NRL publicly backed referee Ashley Klein's decision to send off Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga during Wednesday's State of Origin opener, confirming he correctly followed protocol.
- Klein dismissed Ponga in the 57th minute after judging his tackle on NSW winger Tolu Koula to be a shoulder charge with direct head contact, leaving Queensland a man short for 23 minutes.
- The Match Review Committee charged Ponga with a Grade 2 shoulder charge, resulting in a fine of 13 per cent of his $30,000 match payment, or $6900, though he avoided suspension under 2022 judiciary reforms.
- Rejecting claims that Klein had "gone rogue," the NRL confirmed the referee retains final authority as NSW capitalized on the man advantage to win 22-20 over Queensland.
- Speaking after the game, Ponga stated he was "not proud" of the moment because his teammates had to work harder in his absence, though he remains eligible for Queensland's next match.
10 Articles
10 Articles
NRL supports Ponga send-off as Origin debate erupts further
After a controversial State of Origin I clash that saw Maroons superstar Kalyn Ponga sent off in the 57th minute, the NRL has now delivered its official assessment of the incident and referee Ashley Klein’s actions — and the game has made absolutely no apology for the decision.
Sydney Morning Herald
StuffWhy Origin referee was entitled to ignore the Bunker and send off Kalyn Ponga
The NRL has backed Ashley Klein’s decision to dismiss the Maroons fullback, despite Bunker officials having a more comprehensive view of the tackle on Tolu Koula.
Ponga Dodges Ban for Send-Off That Impacted Origin Result
Kalyn Ponga has avoided suspension for the shoulder charge that resulted in his send-off from the State of Origin series opener and doomed Queensland to a 22-20 loss. Ponga on Wednesday night became just the seventh player sent off in 45 years of Origin, for collecting New South Wales rookie Tolu Koula high with 22 minutes to go in Sydney. With the Maroons leading 20-6 at the time, they surrendered the lead as the Blues claimed the biggest comeb…
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