SAD: Dragon and Rooster  key players Suspended  11 fines NRL Judiciary Report

 

The NRL judiciary has handed down a series of penalties following a controversial Round 21, with 11 players receiving fines and two players—one from the St. George Illawarra Dragons and one from the Sydney Roosters—facing suspensions.

 

Fines Issued

 

A total of 11 players across various teams were fined for incidents that occurred during Round 21. These fines were largely related to minor on-field infractions, including dangerous tackles, high contact, and professional fouls. The fines ranged from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the severity of the offenses and the players’ prior records.

 

NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley stated, “We take the safety of our players very seriously, and these fines are a reflection of our commitment to maintaining high standards on the field. Players must understand that there are consequences for actions that put others at risk.”

 

Suspensions Handed Down

 

The more significant penalties from Round 21 involved suspensions for two players: one from the Dragons and another from the Roosters.

 

– **Dragons Forward Suspended**: The St. George Illawarra Dragons will be without one of their key forwards for the next two matches following a high tackle that was deemed reckless by the judiciary. The incident occurred during the Dragons’ match, where the player was placed on report for making high contact with an opposing player. After reviewing the footage, the judiciary ruled that the tackle warranted a suspension due to its dangerous nature and the potential for injury.

 

– **Roosters Player Suspended**: Meanwhile, the Sydney Roosters have also been hit with a suspension. Their player was involved in a late tackle that was flagged as a serious breach of the rules. The judiciary determined that the tackle was both intentional and dangerous, resulting in a one-match suspension. This suspension comes at a crucial time for the Roosters as they battle for a spot in the finals, making the loss of this player particularly impactful.

 

Impact on Teams

 

The suspensions and fines are likely to have a significant impact on the teams involved, especially as the season enters its final stretch. The Dragons, already struggling with consistency, will need to adjust their forward pack, while the Roosters, who are in a tight race for a finals position, will have to cope with the absence of a key player.

 

Coaches from both teams expressed their disappointment but acknowledged the need for accountability. “We never want to lose a player to suspension, especially at this stage of the season,” said Dragons coach Ryan Carr. “But we respect the judiciary’s decision and will move forward with the players available to us.”

 

Roosters coach Trent Robinson echoed these sentiments, stating, “It’s a tough loss, but we have a deep squad, and we’re confident in our ability to adapt and overcome.”

 

Fan Reactions

 

The judiciary’s decisions have sparked a range of reactions from fans. Some have voiced their support for the strict enforcement of rules, while others believe the penalties were too harsh given the nature of the incidents. Social media has been flooded with debates, with many fans discussing the consistency of the judiciary’s rulings and their potential impact on the race for the finals.

 

Looking Ahead

 

With the finals fast approaching, the Round 21 judiciary outcomes could play a crucial role in shaping the teams’ fortunes. The Dragons and Roosters will need to navigate these challenges as they prepare for their upcoming matches, while the fined players will be keen to avoid further infractions.

 

The NRL judiciary continues to emphasize player safety and the integrity of the game, ensuring that all actions on the field are appropriately addressed. As the season progresses, teams and players alike will need to remain vigilant to avoid costly penalties that could derail their campaigns.