Paul Gallen Calls for Sin Bin After High Tackle on Jye Gray
Paul Gallen, a former rugby league player and commentator, has expressed his frustration over the decision not to sin bin Sean O’Sullivan following a high tackle on Jye Gray during a crucial moment in the Rabbitohs vs. Bulldogs match.
With just 10 minutes left in the game, the Rabbitohs were leading 30-18. Gray, the team’s fullback, had nearly broken through a gap but dropped the ball. As he started to fall, O’Sullivan made contact with him from above, resulting in Gray being taken off the field for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment).
Gallen argued that O’Sullivan should have been sent to the sin bin for the incident, stating it was a critical moment in the game.
The incident sparked a reaction from several players, including Latrell Mitchell, who confronted O’Sullivan immediately after the tackle. However, Brad Fittler, the coach of the Bulldogs, suggested that there wasn’t much O’Sullivan could do in that situation.
“He’s fallen into the arm … he’s made contact without a doubt but there’s not much Sean O’Sullivan can do in that situation,” Fittler said on Nine. “He’s not only falling but slipped forward as well.”
Despite the controversy, referee Todd Smith put O’Sullivan on report, while captain Cameron Murray rolled his eyes and addressed the official. Murray emphasized the need for a duty of care, and the referee agreed, acknowledging mitigating circumstances.
Later in the match, Gallen reiterated his stance, saying that O’Sullivan was lucky to stay on the field. “This is a really hard situation for the game with what happened a moment ago,” he said. “We saw the Sean O’Sullivan hit … Jye Gray has to go off for an HIA but Sean O’Sullivan stays on the field.”
Gallen added, “Souths have now lost one of their best players in a close game … I feel like South Sydney have really suffered for that. I feel like in occasions like that when a player has to go off for an HIA, the player should go off for a sin bin.”
At the time, the Rabbitohs were leading 30-18 and eventually managed to hold off the Dogs to win 32-24.
O’Sullivan Faces Charges
On Sunday morning, O’Sullivan was charged with a grade one careless high tackle. However, due to his good disciplinary record, he received only a $1,000 fine.
The match also saw another incident involving Latrell Mitchell. He attempted a square-up maneuver, which resulted in Connor Tracey being tackled in the back. As the kick trickled over the dead ball line, Mitchell ran back and pushed Matt Burton after some verbal exchange.
Commentator Brenton Speed warned that the situation could escalate in the final six minutes if the referee wasn’t careful. Fortunately, the game remained relatively calm, with officials managing to keep things under control.
