Sims slammed for 'brain snap' that shifted momentum
Tariq Sims has confused fans and split viewers opinions with his brain snap moment early in the second half of Game III.
On debut, the Blues forward was recovering from a Ben Hunt tackle and had just played the ball when he proceeded to tackle Hunt to the ground without the ball.
The moment resulted in a scuffle between players, and despite looking like a blatant foul, it had viewers questioning the decision.
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Tariq Sims hard done by then. Probably should have got a penalty for Ben Hunt having a snooze on top of him. #Origin
— Ian (@Ian__P) July 11, 2018
Rugged Queensland spirit. Tariq Sims brain snap on Ben Hunt the key moment of the game. And after all the talk, it’s Cherry On Top 🍒 #origin
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) July 11, 2018
Stupid from Sims, but Hunt should have been penalised for laying all over Sims #Origin
— John Davidson (@johnnyddavidson) July 11, 2018
I'll never understand Origin refereeing. Hunt laid over the player for longer than any penalty given so far for laying down. It's a complete lottery
— Dave (@Mesut_Ausil) July 11, 2018
Turns out Tariq Sims provided the brain fade turning point but I want to see a replay cause how didn't he get the penalty in the play the ball?? 🤔
— Wal G (@Gisikus) July 11, 2018
Some fans even went as far as to say Sims’ contentious decision swung the game in Queensland’s favour.
Tariq sims- cost nsw momentum with a dumb penalty before, selfish #origin
— bk (@sydviews) July 11, 2018
Tariq Sims is an #Origin player all day but his brain snap cost us the chance of winning the match and a clean sweep. #UpTheblues
— Haris Argeetes (@hargeetes) July 11, 2018
Tariq Sims can get in the bin. Never again you half wit. Dumbest moment in Origin footy. Hands down! #origin2018 #stateoforigin
— The Silent Man (@Lauder1986) July 11, 2018
Channel Nine commentator Ray Warren was quick to question Sims’ decision to tackle Hunt when he was acting as marker.
“What’s he done that for?” said Ray Warren in the commentary.
“He’s tackled the marker.”
Phil Gould also pointed out the significance of the moment.
“They’re killers in a game like this… when you pull a penalty on yourself,” Gould said.
Despite the incident, New South Wales still had ample opportunity when they pressured the Queensland defence in the final five minutes of the match.
Queensland went on to win the match 18-12, with NSW winning the 2018 series 2-1.