‘No evidence of anything untoward’: NRL explains decision to not charge Hynes over ref abuse, backs Holmes sin bin call

The NRL has cleared Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes of verbally abusing touch judge Belinda Sharpe during Sunday’s loss to the Sea Eagles, describing his actions as “complaining” rather than anything offensive.

The Sharks star was called out by referee Peter Gough after he disputed a forward pass call by Sharpe, and was warned that he would be sent to the sin bin if he argued another decision.

There has been a sharp focus on the way players speak with match officials after Josh Reynolds was fined earlier in the year for swearing, while Broncos fullback Reece Walsh was suspended for three games for a foul-mouthed tirade.

The strong stance is why some people questioned the decision to not charge Hynes for the incident, but NRL head of football Graham Annesley explained why it wasn’t taken any further.

“The match review committee listened to audio and they speak directly with the match officials concerned, which they did for this particular incident,” he said, revealing Gough was so strict because Hynes had already complained to the officials several times during the game.

“The evidence that was able to be confirmed in this incident is that there was no evidence of anything untoward on the audio. Belinda Sharpe did not feel that Nicho Hynes was in any way abusive or derogatory to her personally.

“He didn’t like the decision, but that probably happens dozens of times across the course of the weekend.

“We don’t have a problem with players being upset over decisions. We only have a problem when that then manifests itself into some kind of personal abuse or attack on match officials, as opposed to just complaining.

“All of the evidence that was available to the NRL and the match review committee was that this was just a case of Nicho Hynes complaining.

“I would never suggest to you that it’s okay to be critical of match officials or to say anything to them, but the nature of our game is with the heat of the moment and the intensity that it will happen from time to time.

“But they have to do that in a way that is not offensive, is not over the top and certainly is respectful of the role that the match officials have.”

Annesley also backed the Bunker’s decision to send Cowboys star Valentine Holmes to the sin bin for a high shot on Mitch Moses, revealing the NRL will send a reminder to clubs about the risks of outside backs jamming in to pressure ball-carriers.

A memo was sent of clubs in April following a spate of offences, and Annesley is concerned the message may have been forgotten following several charges, including one to Eels winger Maika Sivo who was banned for four games.

“We can always argue whether it was whiplash or what caused the contact, but I come back to the point that if you take the risk then you have to accept responsibility,” he said.

“If you make any kind of contact with the head or neck with significant force then you’re at risk of having action taken against you, and you’re also at risk of causing injury.”

Annesley was also asked why Brisbane’s Martin Taupau was not sent off for lifting his knees as he approached several South Sydney defenders, especially considering he was sent a concerning act notice by the NRL just last week.

Taupau was sent to the sin bin and banned for three games, but Annesley wouldn’t have had a problem if the referee had sent him off.

“I think that the action they took was warranted,” he said.

“Would I have been upset if they had acted stronger? No, I wouldn’t. I would have backed them for that as well, but I’m not criticising them for the action that they took.”