Tuilagi Banned in Shocking Call as Hip Drop Chaos Erupts~ NRL World in Uproar
Parramatta forward Kelma Tuilagi is staring down a three to four-week suspension following a dangerous shoulder charge during the Eels’ Easter Monday clash with the Wests Tigers — an incident that didn’t even draw a penalty at the time. This controversial decision has once again sparked debate around the NRL’s inconsistent handling of hip drop tackles and dangerous contact.
The moment occurred early in the match, yet referee Liam Kennedy allowed play to continue without penalty. It wasn’t until the Eels were preparing for a penalty goal that Tuilagi was officially placed on report. Despite the delay in action, the NRL Match Review Committee later determined the tackle to be a grade two offence. To avoid the risk of a lengthier suspension by contesting the charge, Tuilagi is expected to accept the early guilty plea and sit out for three matches.
The game’s tension didn’t end there. Wests Tigers winger Sunia Turuva was fined $1800 for contrary conduct after sparking a sideline scuffle that involved multiple players. However, more confusion arose in the second half when Tuilagi suffered a leg injury from what was deemed a hip drop tackle by Tigers forward Samuela Fainu. Initially missed by officials, the penalty was only awarded after a Bunker review — even though Fainu appeared to stay on his feet, and the contact looked unintentional.
This decision has fueled frustration from across the league. Panthers great Greg Alexander didn’t hold back on commentary, calling the call “ridiculous” and questioning the judgment from the Bunker. “You can’t help but get dragged along with momentum,” he said, echoing the sentiment of many current and former players.
Adding to the growing confusion, veteran coach Wayne Bennett recently admitted he’s no longer sure what qualifies as a hip drop tackle. Tigers coach Benji Marshall echoed those thoughts post-match, saying, “I don’t even know what a hip drop is anymore.”
As the NRL’s crackdown on dangerous tackles continues, the lack of consistency and clarity around rulings is only intensifying frustration among players, coaches, and fans alike.
