NRL 2024: Sharks vs. Bulldogs, scores, early drama, Briton Nikora sin bin, Kikau no try, opinion, reaction, replays

There has been no shortage of early drama in Friday night’s clash between the Sharks and Bulldogs, with two incidents involving Dogs star Viliame Kikau.

In the 6th minute, Sharks back rower Briton Nikora was lucky not to be sent off after leaving the ground and making contact with the head of Kikau after the Bulldogs forward passed the ball.

What was strange was that it wasn’t picked up by the Bunker until the next set, almost a minute later, when referee Ziggy Przeklasa-Adamsk stopped play and called out Nikora.

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“It’s forceful, it’s to the head. You are in the bin,” the referee said.

“Wow!” Andrew Voss said on Fox League.

“Todd Smith in the Bunker has obviously had a number of reviews before he passed on the most affirmative advice.

After the replay was shown, Voss exclaimed, “Oh boy!”

“It looks a send off. I think he’ll be relieved he’s only there for 10 minutes.”

“That’s brutal,” Steve Roach added.

The drama continued a couple of minutes later, again involving Kikau when the back rower’s try was disallowed.

Kiaku barged over from five metres out after receiving a lovely offload from Matt Burton, however due to Sharks pivot Braydon Trindall being impeded by the referee on the goal line, the try had to be overturned by the Bunker.

Viliame Kikau’s try was disallowed after Braydon Trindall runs into refereeSource: FOX SPORTS

“Braydon Trindall is attempting to make a tackle, collides with the ref which interferes on his ability to make a play,” the Bunker’s Todd Smith explained.

“I reckon common sense applied. Were they going to stop him that close to the goal line? My answer is no,” Roach said.

“How are you going to stop a rampaging Kikau that close to the line? It does impede him but no way they stop him.”