Scott Sorensen Sent Off for Shoulder Charge as Three Other Panthers Reported Against Manly

The sin bin spectacle from round eight persisted as Scott Sorensen was sent to the sidelines for 10 minutes during the first half of Penrith’s match against Manly.

Just before half-time, following a penalty goal by the Sea Eagles, the Panthers restarted play, with Nathan Brown charging from the back fence at CommBank Stadium.

Sorensen met Brown head-on, but the Bunker determined that he failed to make a genuine attempt to wrap his arms around the ball-carrier.

A penalty was swiftly awarded against Sorensen, and after players from both teams gathered, on-field referee Belinda Sharpe sent him to the sin bin.

“I might be in the minority here, but I actually appreciated that hit,” remarked Andrew Voss on Fox League.

Kevin Walters chimed in, stating, “That’s the kind of action fans come to witness.”

However, during the half-time break, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga had a different perspective.

“Sadly, Sorensen got it wrong … he warranted the 10 minutes in the bin,” he remarked.

Earlier in the first half, Dylan Edwards also landed himself in hot water, facing a possible sanction from the match review committee for a trip.

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Edwards dashed across to the left wing at CommBank Stadium, attempting to thwart Tommy Talau from scoring in the corner.

However, he was sidestepped by the winger, who then managed to score.

As Edwards rushed to the line, his right foot inadvertently made contact with Talau’s waist.

Although the fullback was placed on report, no further punitive measures were taken.

“The days of seeing a sin bin for tripping are behind us,” noted Andrew Voss.

Tripping falls under the category of dangerous contact and typically results in just a fine. In round five, both Kotoni Staggs and Phoenix Crossland were fined $1000 for a similar infraction.

Even with Penrith playing on their home turf, Manly took control early in the match, with Reuben Garrick finding the scoreboard in the fifth minute.

Talau added to the tally in the 18th minute before Isaiah Papali’i was also placed on report for a leg lift, which led to another penalty goal, putting the score at 14-0 by half-time.

Earlier in the half, Casey McLean was also reported for high contact on Tom Trbojevic.