Jillaroos star Ruan Sims has stood down as a Dally M judge after voting on the round seven match between Parramatta and Manly despite playing a club game at the same time.
Sims was featuring for Cronulla at Southern Cross Group Stadium during the Eels-Sea Eagles clash, but gave three points to Mitchell Moses and two to Tim Mannah.
Manly hooker Api Koroisau claimed one point, all of which are supposed to be decided immediately after the game, attended by a judge as per the NRL rules.
Sims took to social media on Monday to explain that she was unable to attend the fixture after a schedule bungle for club side Cronulla meant she was playing in the Shire.
She then confirmed she had relinquished her role as Dally M judge.
“I understand there is a requirement to watch matches live when judging for Dally M points,” Sims said on Twitter.
“I respect the game and more importantly I value the integrity of the game above all else. My mistake was an honest one, albeit a mistake that I should not have made.
“For this reason I have made the decision to stand down as Dally M judge.”
The NRL have confirmed another judge will review the Eels-Sea Eagles game.
“We must maintain the integrity of the awards and we will ask one of the other judges on the panel to review the game and allocate Dally M points.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Rugby League Commission has announced the game is on track to record a $40 million profit this NRL season.
However ARLC chairman Peter Beattie on Monday warned that figure is likely to reduce towards the end of their five-year broadcast deal, which is currently in its first season.
“At the end of the day we are a not for profit business but we are delivering more funds to the game than ever before,” Beattie said in a statement.
The NRL also announced that average crowds had gone up this season, increasing from 15,969 at this point last year to 16,815 this year.