‘Is this a sin bin?’: Walsh’s try-saver under the microscope after ‘blatant shoulder charge’ claims

Broncos superstar Reece Walsh narrowly avoided a sin bin in Las Vegas after he was penalised for a shoulder charge on Roosters veteran Daniel Tupou.

The Tricolours flyer was charging down the sidelined for what looked like a certain try with only minutes remaining in the first half.

But in a last-ditch effort to stop the four-pointer, the Brisbane fullback launched himself at Tupou and knocked him over the sideline.

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Initially the contact was ruled as legal by on-field referee Adam Gee before Roosters skipper James Tedesco challenged the decision.

Bunker referee Grant Atkins ruled Walsh made no attempt to wrap his arms and his tackle was in fact a shoulder charge, awarding the Roosters a penalty.

Both Michael Ennis and Andrew Voss questioned whether Walsh should have been sent to the sin bin and potentially miss 10 minutes of the Las Vegas clash.

“They are going to challenge the shoulder charge here… we are talking 110kg man here going for the corner, watch the courage of Walsh,” Ennis said.

“They are going to have to make a call here… not a penalty try situation, but it is illegal contract,” Voss said.

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“Is this a sin bin? It’s a shoulder charge,” Ennis said.

“Doe she leave in 13 on 13, he will… there’s a bit being said out there,” Voss said.

The rugby league world seemed to be asking the same question, with some fans labelling the collision a “blatant shoulder charge”.