Norman deserved sinbinning: Archer

NRL referees boss Tony Archer has backed Gerard Sutton’s decision to sinbin Parramatta playmaker Corey Norman at a crucial period in the Eels’ loss to North Queensland.

And former grand final referee Bill Harrigan, for one, is glad the sin bin is back.

Eels coach Brad Arthur was incensed Norman was given his marching orders for a professional foul on Michael Morgan with a possible try beckoning.

With the Eels down to 12 men, the premiers ran away with the contest to win 32-16.

Arthur described the decision as “disappointing”.

“I think everyone’s been robbed of a good game of football,” Arthur said.

“I just need to ask him (Archer) what the ruling is and whether it will happen continually.”

However Archer said on Sunday it was a decision he was comfortable with.

“It was the correct decision,” Arthur said.

It was the second sinbinning in as many weeks for a professional foul, after Richie Kennar was penalised for interfering with Chris Lawrence in Melbourne’s golden point win over Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval last week.

It came after Archer said last month Matt Cecchin had erred in not sending Sydney Roosters forward Aidan Guerra for a 10 minute break for a professional foul in the round five match against the Warriors in Gosford.

“We have had a few sinbinnings now so there is that consistency,” Harrigan said on Triple M.

“He (Norman) had to go to the bin, there is no doubt about it.”

Premiership-winner Brad Fittler agreed.

“100 per cent it was a sin bin, he grabbed him, it is as good a sin bin as you will get,” Fittler said on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.

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