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Sport Nation
Warriors coach Webster weighs in on NRL Bunker controversy
Sport Nation • April 29th, 2025 3:15 pm
Photo: Photosport
NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster has added his voice to the growing chorus of discontent surrounding the sin binning controversy currently plaguing the NRL.
Operating under an edict from the higher ups to crack down on high shots, the situation came to a head during the last round of action, when a total of 18 players across all games were sent to the bin.
It's resulted in an outcry from both teams and fans over the negative impact on the overall product, with NRL CEO Andrew Abdo admitting Monday that officials may have had a "slight over-reaction" last weekend.
One of the main gripes has been over the Bunker's habit of retrospectively punishing players, calling play to a halt to ping indiscretions from an earlier passage of play - an issue the NRL has conceded needs to be addressed.
"I just don't like how it goes back," Webster admitted.
"If it happens two sets later, no one ever knows that something's occurred and then the bunker finds it.
"I just feel like it loses the flow of the game."
Webster says such bunker interventions are killing the rhythm of the games, and in turn, what differentiates rugby league from its competitors, particularly the 15-man code.
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"Our product compared to rugby union is we're high 50, 60 minutes ball in play and they're roughly 30, and that's why our product's so good at the moment.
"When you go back, there's confusion for the fans on what actually was that for. I'm talking more for the fans that are in the stands because the fans at home get the replay.
Warriors forward Marata Niukore was one of those 18 players binned during Round 8, found guilty of a dangerous tackle identified by the Bunker from an earlier stage of the action.
"If the player is fine and the game unfolds and then you think it's wrong, they should just put them on report and then suspend them if it's that bad," Webster added.
Fortunately for Webster and his side, they handily overcame that momentary loss to complete a straightforward win over the Newcastle Knights.
Their second win on the bounce - and their fifth overall - leaves the Warriors sitting in fourth place heading into Magic Round.
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Webster credits his team's even-keeled approach for their steady start to their campaign, recognising they still have plenty of room for improvement - regardless the result.
"I honestly feel like this is the most grounded we've been as a group.
"We know we've got a long way to go, we're happy with what our connection as a group is, how hard we're working for each other, but we actually know that we're nowhere near where we want to be.
"Even when we have two really bad games, we're not riding the emotions of it like everyone else is, and then when we've got a good win, we're not over-riding it as well."
Also providing a boost is news help is also on the way for Webster in the imminent injury return of some key cavalry.
Star backs Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are two and two-to-three weeks away from action respectively, while co-captain James Fisher-Harris is expected back in a fortnight.
