Is this the softest sin binning in rugby league history? Gold Coast player sent thrashing for a soft blow as referee action increases on high shots

An NRL performance against high shots reached a bizarre new level on Saturday when referee Ben Cummins Warriors sent Marata Niukore to the trash for a punch to the cheek from irate Titans forward David Fifita.

It came at a crucial moment in the game shortly after Titans hardman Mo Fotuaika was sent off after his shoulder came into heavy contact with the face of Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

He risks a one-week suspension if he pleads guilty with an early plea, or a two-week suspension if he appeals and is found guilty by the panel. Niukore was not charged.

But fans watching who saw the punch didn’t react the same way when Cummins held up his fingers for sinning Niukore.

The retaliatory slap of the great Marata Niukore (blue shorts) after David Fifita shoved him in the face resulted in a scapegoat that set many fans on fire

Fox league commentator Andrew Voss was shocked by the decision, saying, ‘Oh no. This is a powder keg about to explode. I wouldn’t even call it a slap, I’d call it a rub. You cannot sin there.’

“This was ridiculous. Fifita was the instigator here, Marata Niukore just goes back in marker and Fifita initiates absolute contact, shoves him in the face,” Fox League analyst and former player Corey Parker claimed.

Fans taking to social media were just as ebullient with their thoughts.

“I can’t wait for (referee boss Graeme) Annersley to try and defend the umpires this week,” said an irate supporter.

“Unbelievable why the Warriors player got kicked out, nothing happens if Fifita doesn’t push the player away… ref from the depths but protected species with no responsibility or need for common sense. Most convinced on NRL sponsored power trip,” another posted.

Yet another said, “What happened to the days when they left them there and just let the players figure it out?” Can’t hurt at all in that ‘clap’. It was hardly noticeable. Constant rule-changing by the HQ pencil printers trying to justify their jobs has destroyed the game.”

Holmes was lucky enough to escape suspension for this shot at Parramatta’s Mitch Moses before being thrown into sin the following week and banned for his tackle on Campbell

Controversial Penrith star Jarome Luai is facing a $3000 for his shot to the face from Melbourne’s Nelson Asafa-Solomona, prompting his coach to say: ‘It’s a small fly against a big giant.’

New Zealand had to work against the under-manned TItans before coming away with a 28–18 victory.

The Niukore wasn’t the only puzzling decision on Friday, with Penrith Panther’s pantomime villain Jarome Luai settled for a high shot despite not being sent off.

Luai had his long hair pulled during the game and was later placed on report for leading with his shoulder in the face of Melbourne giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona early in the second half.

He was also heard speaking out against referee Adam Gee regarding a slapping incident that he felt should have been penalised.

It’s the Origin playmaker’s third offense and he faces a $3,000 fine with an early plea or a two-game suspension if found guilty by the panel.

The incidents are part of a move by the NRL to eradicate high shots.

Queensland Origin and Cowboys star Val Holmes was suspended for the rest of the regular season when he was found guilty this week of a high shot at Titans fullback Jayden Campbell.

And Jack Hetherington, the Newcastle arsonist, now labeled a repeat offender, was sent back several weeks when he was thrown out two weeks ago.