The Controversial Send-Off of Kalyn Ponga in Origin I
The National Rugby League (NRL) has publicly supported the decision made by referee Ashley Klein to send off Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga during the first game of the 2023 State of Origin series. This decision came despite the involvement of Bunker official Chris Butler, who had access to multiple camera angles and a more comprehensive view of the incident.
During the 57th minute of Wednesday’s match, Ponga tackled NSW winger Tolu Koula, resulting in a forceful shoulder-to-head contact. Klein, after consulting with Butler, decided that Ponga should be sent off. However, the communication between the on-field referee and the Bunker was confusing for fans watching at home, as Klein said, “I get that, mate,” and “I know what you’re saying.” These statements suggested that Butler did not entirely agree with Klein’s initial judgment.
Butler believed that Ponga deserved at least a sin bin for the tackle. Under the current rules, the Bunker can make decisions on general play, including tries, but when it comes to foul play, the referee holds the final authority. Butler also took some time to assess whether any action was necessary after a melee involving Canberra players Hudson Young and Ethan Strange following Ponga’s hit.
At the time of Ponga’s send-off, the Maroons were leading 20-6. Despite being down to 12 men, NSW mounted a strong comeback, eventually winning the match 22-20.
In response to the controversy, NRL head of football Graham Annesley defended Klein’s decision. He stated: “This incident involved clear and forceful shoulder-to-head and head-to-head contact with no mitigating factors. Player safety is extremely important, and the game will make no apology for taking strong action on foul play.”
Annesley added that the communication between the on-field referee and the Bunker allowed for multiple views of the incident, both live and on replay. He emphasized that the confirmation of direct, forceful shoulder-to-head contact through a shoulder charge action led Klein to make the correct decision to dismiss Ponga.
Tolu Koula suffered a cut across his right eye and experienced category-two concussion symptoms as a result of the tackle. He was later ruled out of the game and will miss Manly’s clash against Cronulla on Friday night. However, he may return for the next match against South Sydney, provided he receives clearance from an independent doctor.
Despite the injury, Koula remained positive. In an interview, he said: “I remember most of it. I was rattled for a bit, but I’m sweet now. I felt it [the tackle], but I got my senses back quickly. I haven’t seen the replay, so I don’t know [if Ponga deserved to be sent off]. It’s part of the game. I’ve got no ill will towards him. It was still the best experience ever. It was crazy. I’m very grateful they [NSW] put the trust in me, and I gave my all to repay that trust and do this state proud.”
Ponga initially thought he had been given a 10-minute sin bin and only learned he had been sent off while sitting in the Queensland sheds. He was charged with a grade-two shoulder charge and fined 23% of his $30,000 match payment, which amounts to $6,900. In club games, a similar charge would have resulted in a two-match ban. However, the NRL adjusted its judiciary policy in 2022, meaning Origin players are only suspended from club matches if charged with a grade-three offense.
Ponga also had blood trickling from his left ear due to a head clash with Koula more than an hour after the game ended. He blamed his dismissal for the Maroons’ defeat, saying: “I didn’t realise it was a send-off when I left. I thought it was 10 minutes [in the bin]. And to be honest, I thought they may have assessed me for a head knock. For them to play with 12 [players] for 20 minutes, and defend our line, the effort they put in, and for it to come down to the last minute and a half, it’s pretty heartbreaking. I was the reason that it happened.”
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