NRL admits error after Olam ankle tap in match

SYDNEY: NRL head of football Graham Annesley has confirmed Panthers halfback Brad Schneider should have been sent to the sin bin for a deliberate ankle tap on Justin Olam which denied a try.
In Annesley’s weekly briefing, he also warned players that tripping could see them marched for 10 minutes after a number of players were fined in round seven.
With the Tigers holding a 6-0 lead in the 12th minute, winger Junior Tupou made a break down the sideline, being supported by Olam who was tripped before hitting the ground.
“It should have been a sin bin, in my view,” he replied when asked about the Schneider incident.
“We’ve discussed it this morning with the referee coaching staff and the referees that were in the room this morning – both tripping and also that kind of interference to a support player who’s not in possession of the ball.
“It doesn’t matter whether they would’ve scored a try or not.
“You can’t interfere deliberately with a support player, effectively bring him to the ground and prevent him from having any opportunity to play part in what may happen next – whether it’s a try or not – and escape without going to the sin bin in that situation.
“I’m always reluctant to put a black and white answer on anything because circumstances next time could be slightly different, but it was a deliberate tap and he has to reach out to do it.
“In my view, that certainly warrants a sin bin.”
Annesley also went on to praise referee Peter Gough for how he handled Sunday’s fiery confrontation between Jack Hetherington and Reed Mahoney, declaring the Knights forward was “very fortunate” the altercation in the tunnel didn’t develop into something more serious.
The Knights have already accepted a one-match ban for Hetherington after he was slapped with a grade two contrary conduct charge.
– Fox Sports