Canberra Raiders player Simaima Taufa has been sent to the sin bin after being penalised for a hip-drop tackle, the latest instance of referees cracking down on the dangerous technique that has drawn significant scrutiny across the competition.
Taufa was marched to the bin by the referee after the tackle was deemed to meet the threshold for a ten-minute spell on the sideline, leaving the Raiders temporarily reduced to twelve players on the field.
The hip-drop tackle has been the subject of increased officiating attention in recent seasons, with players cautioned that the technique — which can place serious pressure on an opponent's lower leg and knee — will be penalised strictly at all levels of the game.
