NRL icon Andrew Johns has strongly criticized the NRL’s decision regarding Roosters center Junior Pauga, arguing that the punishment handed down was insufficient after Pauga was sent off for a high tackle during Saturday night’s match.
Despite the Roosters delivering one of their standout performances of the NRL season with a decisive 26-8 victory over the Bulldogs in challenging weather conditions, the game concluded on a contentious note following Pauga’s controversial tackle.
Pauga’s aggressive rush out of the defensive line resulted in a forceful contact with Connor Tracey’s head using a swinging arm, prompting immediate condemnation from commentators Michael Ennis and Warren Smith. Ennis described the incident as “direct contact to the head” and “a swinging arm … that’s a bad one,” while Smith expressed concern for Tracey’s well-being as Pauga was promptly sent off without objection from fellow players.
Despite the victory, the Roosters were reduced to 11 men for a significant period due to Sam Walker’s 10-minute sideline stint for a professional foul. Following a review, Pauga received a four-week suspension for his actions, a penalty that Johns and fellow NRL figure Brad Fittler deemed insufficient given the severity of the tackle.
Johns, speaking on Channel Nine’s the Sunday Footy Show, expressed his dismay: “Four weeks? A million per cent (it should have been more). That was a stiff arm, an old-fashioned coat hanger. It’s hard to watch.” He highlighted the increasing risks associated with defensive strategies like those attempted by Pauga during the 2024 season.
Fittler echoed Johns’ sentiment, questioning the rationale behind the four-week suspension and emphasizing Pauga’s otherwise commendable season performance. Queensland great Sam Thaiday also criticized Pauga’s tackle, describing it as “very lazy” and suggesting that a four-week suspension was lenient for such an offense.
The incident follows closely on the heels of teammate Joseph Suaalii’s recent send-off in State of Origin Game 1 for a high tackle, underscoring ongoing concerns over player discipline and safety in professional rugby league.
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