‘Livid and filthy’: Chad Townsend left puzzled as NRL greats take aim at ‘joke’ crusher tackle

The NRL continues to come under fire for its crackdown on foul play, with the interpretation of crusher tackles the latest to be put under the microscope.

It comes after Sharks halfback Chad Townsend was left puzzled when he was placed on report for a crusher tackle on Cody Walker in the 73rd minute.

The Rabbitohs marched up the field and went on to score a crucial try to push away from Cronulla who were pressing for a late comeback victory.

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Fox League’s Braith Anasta and Michael Ennis fumed at the call.

“Are we going back two plays for a penalty for that,” Anasta said.

“That is not even a crusher. That’s a horrible call and he is on report – come on.

“I can’t sit here and try and protect that call and act like that is OK because that is a joke.

“We stop the play, we kill the momentum. No player had any issue with that; we had moved on. Chad was over the other side of the field talking to his players not even knowing he was involved in an indiscretion.

“And it’s a big penalty too.”

Cronulla were unable to hold on – conceding on the ensuing set and crumbling to concede a try shortly after.

While some responsibility does sit with the Sharks for being unable to overcome that setback, Ennis said they deserve to feel “livid”.

“That call on Chad Townsend was beyond a joke,” he said.

“They were coming for Souths. It was an innocuous, nothing in it tackle. I think they’ll be livid and filthy with that Cronulla.”

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