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NRL Adjusts Bunker Role as Magic Round Begins After Record Sin-Bin Spike

The league limits bunker interventions to severe high-contact incidents, addressing concerns over consistency and diving while maintaining focus on player safety.

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Overview

  • A record 18 sin bins in Round 8 highlighted a sharp rise in high-contact offences, up 88.5% from last season.
  • NRL CEO Andrew Abdo confirmed that the bunker will now only intervene in the most serious cases of high contact to reduce game disruptions.
  • The league has issued $104,650 in fines and suspended players for a total of 54 games this season, underscoring its focus on player safety.
  • Concerns over inconsistent high-tackle rulings persist, with fans and coaches noting subtle shifts in enforcement week to week.
  • Canterbury Bulldogs will face the Gold Coast Titans on Sunday without three key players—Matt Burton, Josh Curran, and Sitili Tupouniua—due to suspensions.