Paul Gallen and Billy Slater Clash Over Knights’ Greg Marzhew’s Sin Bin Escape

Paul Gallen expressed his disbelief that Knights winger Greg Marzhew avoided a stint in the sin bin after a dangerous tackle on Raiders star Kaeo Weekes during their Sunday match.

Midway through the second half, a high kick was aimed at Weekes, who confidently caught the ball without hesitation.

However, his landing wasn’t ideal, as Marzhew charged in and clipped his legs while he was airborne.

Weekes collided with Marzhew’s shoulder before crashing onto his back, prompting referee Adam Gee to immediately award a penalty.

As everyone awaited the decision on whether Marzhew would face additional punishment, he simply apologised to Weekes.

Billy Slater believed that the incident warranted nothing more than a penalty.

“He had his eyes on the ball all the way. It’s just a penalty,” Slater remarked on Nine.

“Kaeo Weekes leapt up and caught him off guard. I don’t reckon he meant to do anything wrong,” Slater added.

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Ultimately, Gee confirmed that a penalty would suffice and placed Marzhew on report.

Gallen, however, was not in agreement.

“That’s exactly why the sin bin rule exists – to penalise players for attacks like that,” Gallen pointed out on Nine.

“Sure, he had his gaze on the ball most of the time, but in the last few strides, he saw the player and could have pulled out. That, for me, warrants a 10-minute break in the sin bin.”

In response, Slater remarked, “Gal’s looking out for the fullbacks. I appreciate that.”

Earlier in the game, Marzhew sparked some excitement among Newcastle fans as he made a break from deep within his own half, only to be brought down on Canberra’s 20m line.

The Knights couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity, but it certainly sent a message to the Raiders.

Just five minutes later, the Raiders responded emphatically, with Ethan Strange slicing through the middle to assist Simi Sasagi in scoring the first try of the match.

Marzhew soon crossed the try line himself in the 28th minute, followed by Fletcher Sharpe adding another, giving the Knights a 10-6 advantage at half-time.