Andrew Johns blasts NRL crackdown as fans lash 'ridiculous' Reuben Cotter moment in Cowboys win

The new NRL crackdown on head-high tackles has caught the ire of Andrew Johns after Reuben Cotter was penalised for a controversial moment after last weekend's Bunker backlash. The Cowboys managed to runaway in a 11-try affair against a 'second-string' Storm team in a 38-30 win at home on Thursday.

However, the Storm were given a penalty straight in front in the 49th minute after both Cotter and Tepai Moeroa slipped as they were about to collide. Many players lost their footing throughout the contest as the humidity caused the surface to become very slippery. Cotter reached out his hand and made contact with Moeroa's head as both were nearly already on the ground.

Moeroa stayed down and clutched at his head, which resulted in the referee blowing a penalty. Cotter emerged from the tackle completely perplexed as the referee claimed it was for a head-high tackle. The NRL admitted they were taking collisions with the head seriously in 2024 and they doubled down in round 25 with the likes of Cameron Murray and Stephen Crichton finding themselves suspended as a result.

However, Cotter's tackle was the least dangerous of the them all with his hand brushing Moeroa with minimal force. And NRL legend Johns thought the crackdown may have gone too far after the latest incident. Johns advocated for player safety when it comes to head collisions, but was against soft penalties in a game that is still a contact sport.

"High-tackle? I am all for the crackdown for players being hit in the head, but this should not be a penalty," Johns said on Channel Nine. When watching the replay, Johns was exasperated having seen Cotter make minimal contact with Moeroa as both fell in slippery conditions.

The contact was so close to the ground that Cotter could only pull out of the tackle if he didn't want to make contact. And Johns wasn't the only viewer frustrated with the call. NRL fans agreed with Johns' sentiment after last week's debacle with the Bunker.

While fans are all for player safety throughout the game, Cotter's incident was controversial with supporters calling for the officials to use common sense when judging if a player has been recklessly hit in the head. However, it appears any contact with the head leading into the NRL finals will be deemed a penalty in 2024.

The Bunker was dragged into a NRL storm last week after the likes of Crichton and Murray acopped suspensions for high-shots. Another controversial incident was Haumole Olakau’atu's high-tackle on Thursday night. The Manly second-rower managed to escape with a fine for his tackle.

Ryan Papenhuyzen limps off in Storm loss

Craig Bellamy would have been pleased with the Storm's effort in Townsville having made 11 changes to the side that wrapped up the minor premiership last week. While plenty of players were out, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Cameron Munster lined-up. Unfortunately, Papenhuyzen prompted a scare throughout the Storm camp as he limped off after just 14 minutes.

Fans were left holding their breath for the injury-prone fullback with the 25-year-old returning to his sensational best in recent weeks. Papenhuyzen didn't return but coach Bellamy was hopeful scans would reveal a lower leg cork. This would most likely see the fullback rested next week in the final regular game of the season.

While the Storm were weakened with 11 players out, it didn't matter to the Cowboys who capitalised with two points and moved equal on points with the Bulldogs on 34 points. "We'll take them any way they come really, but a really scrappy game," Cowboys coach Todd Payten said.

"They (the Storm) stripped it right back, did things simply and we were looking to finesse our way to a victory. In our review, in conversations, whether it's me or (players) ... it'll be spoken about and questions will be answered."