NRL 2023: Paul Kent Criticizes Bunker Decisions, Sean O’Sullivan, Sin Basket, NRL 360, Braith Anasta, Paul Crowley

The NRL 360 panel discussed the officials’ stunning decision to bring in Dolphins linebacker bin Sean O’Sullivan against the Raiders on Saturday.

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Canberra striker Cory Haravira-Naera landed a rough shot in the 75th minute and then ran right into O’Sullivan, who was holding his position in the defensive line.

But Bunker found a penalty, ruling that O’Sullivan hit Haraviru-Naeru late and high, which resulted in the Dolphins’ playmaker being thrown into the bin and allowing the Raiders to equalize.

It was a decision that Corey Parker called “ridiculous” at the time, and journalist Paul Crowley went even further Tuesday night.

“It was a shocking call,” Crowley said.

“Bunker has been telling us all summer that he is going to stay away from incidents on the field, unless they think it is a violation that should be reported and charged.

“Well, if you thought this was an offense to report, you’ve got rocks in your head.”

Kent then spoke about the Bunker’s performance in the first two weeks of the 2023 season.

“The bunker was a big disappointment in the first two rounds,” Kent said.

“Some of their decisions were terrible in every way. The attempts they made, many calls to the captain – I don’t know what they’re looking at.

“The point is that in the bunker they have to have some kind of football savvy, they have to be able to recognize jumps or a legitimate take-out of a player.

“And I know the players are a bit feigned, but they have to be smart enough to call.

“Blow up the bunker.”

Breit Anasta replied: “I don’t know anyone in their right mind who would come to such a decision. It was a clear confrontation.”

Originally published as Paul Kent gutted NRL’s ‘terrible’ bunker and calls for it to be ‘bombed’