The RFL have commented on Saturday night’s Super League match between St Helens and Bradford Bulls after a controversial sin bin incident.
Typically, a controversial sin bin incident would revolve around the actual on-field incident and perhaps whether the player was unlucky to be shown yellow, or even lucky to avoid red.
However, in Saturday’s Super League clash between St Helens and Bradford Bulls, which the Red Vee won 26-22, the sin bin issue revolved around how long Joe Shorrocks spent in the sin bin.
Shown a yellow card for dangerous contact when tackling an already wrapped player, Shorrocks left the field of play, per Sky Sports’ coverage, at 63 minutes and 18 seconds.
It was therefore a surprise to see him take to the field before the clock hit 72 minutes with Shorrocks seemingly only serving around eight minutes and 30 seconds in the sin bin.
It’s now been confirmed to Serious About Rugby League that this was an error by the off-field officials.
RFL admit to Super League sin bin error
An RFL representative told Serious About Rugby League: “The RFL has acknowledged that off-field officials did not correctly follow protocols regarding the sin-binning of St Helens player Joe Shorrocks, who did not serve a full ten minutes of game time in the sin-bin.”
“Full facts are being established to ensure there is no repeat.”
The admission of error is significant from the RFL and shows transparency that is so often sought, however, it will do Bradford no favours with the Bulls only losing by one try.
It’s worth noting that St Helens did not score during the period in which Shorrocks was incorrectly on the field.
Later today, the St Helens man will find out if there are any disciplinary repercussions for his offence, with Bradford Bulls’ Elliot Peposhi also nervously awaiting that verdict after being sent off in the same game.
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