‘Just make it touch football’ – Tom Burgess sin-bin sparks outrage as fans call for rules overhaul

Rugby league is one of the most physical and intense games on the planet and that’s why so many people love it, however of late with more emphasis on protecting players there have some controversial officiating calls.

One very notable one in Super League this season was when Leeds Rhinos James McDonnell was sent off for a ‘phantom punch’, whilst the decision to send off Joe Shorrocks in the Challenge Cup semi-final for Wigan Warriors against Hull KR was also very contentious.

Many incidents are focused around tackle height with particular emphasis on blows to the head with the impending lawsuit against the RFL potentially being a contributor.

There has also been a  trial in the academy games at under sixteen level in which the tackle height has been lowered considerably and moved below the sternum.

The first instance of that trial in game saw Leeds Rhinos face Bradford Bulls with more penalties than minutes in the game.

There’s now been another incident in the NRL with England international and South Sydney Rabbitohs star Tom Burgess being sent to the bin for what looks to be  a perfectly good tackle.

That happened during the Bunnies game against Cronulla Sharks this morning as the Rabbitohs lost out 26-16, sparking fears that they may slip out of the top eight and therefore not make the playoffs.

Let’s just get it over with and make it touch football…
10 in the bin for this 🤡🤡🤡#NRLRabbitohsSharks pic.twitter.com/dF63k4gmoq

— Rugby League Best Tries Hits and Biffs (@NBiffs) August 5, 2023

The incident can be seen in the tweet above with Burgess making contact to the chest and trying to wrap as well, but he was still sent to the bin for the final four minutes of Souths loss.

The Twitter user commented: “Let’s just get it over with and make it touch football…”, followed by a series of clown face emojis.

Others also couldn’t believe the decision.

Tom Burgess sent to the bin for a great tackle.

— Josh Kemp (@Kemparelli) August 5, 2023

Renowned journalist The Mole joked that Burgess had tackled “too hard”.

Penalty Sharks and sin bin – Burgess tackle too hard!!!

— The Mole (@9_Moley) August 5, 2023

It wasn’t the only contentious sin-binning in the NRL this weekend with New Zealand Warriors Marata Niukore sent for ten for the lightest of slaps on David Fifita, cousin of Wakefield’s Big Bopper.

The incident occurred during a play the ball with Niukore seeming to just clip Fifita after having been grabbed by his shirt, you can see the incident below that some have dubbed ‘the softest sin-bin in rugby league history’.