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McNamara: Decision to sin bin Pearce was ‘pathetic’

February 14, 2025

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BY JOHN DAVIDSON

Catalans coach Steve McNamara has branded the decision to yellow card Mitchell Pearce as “pathetic”, and feels Super League coaches are confused by some of the cards currently being given out.

Pearce was sin-binned late on for a high tackle on Leeds winger Liam Tindall.

The Dragons held on to win the game 10-4.

“I thought it was pathetic,” McNamara said.

“We all understand it as coaches, but it’s a penalty.

“It’s not a sin bin in our game. I’m really, really disappointed with that decision.

“I get it, we all get it as coaches but we’re all get baffled by certain decisions at certain times and that was one of them for me.

“I don’t think it was a sin bin, even given the new rules now.”

McNamara said every coach in Super League is now talking to his players about ensuring all tackles are below the head.

“Every coach has, and we all get it and well understand it. And I hold my hand up, we got a couple of things wrong in round one – Dylan Napa and he paid the price.

“But I was disappointed with Gil Dudson’s ban because clearly he got an eye gouge in that tackle and struck out.

“And also, I think the fear of appealing some of those decisions that happened in round one, I don’t think that’s right as well. I think people can get charged and put on a grid, but you need a chance to get up there and explain it in the right manner.

“The James Bentley one, the Olly Holmes one, I can see why both clubs appeal that. I can see why they did that and there’s got to be some understanding that the rules have changed – it wasn’t frivolous, in my opinion.

“You can’t take that away from people otherwise… we’re all frustrated at the minute with some of the ones in between.”