Premiership-winning Newcastle half Matt Johns says rugby league would be better off without the NRL Bunker which has spluttered from one error to the next in 2021.

Many believed Latrell Mitchell should have been sent off for his shot on Sydney Roosters centre Joey Manu on Friday night yet Mitchell was able to return to the field after only being sent to the sin bin on advice from the bunker.

“I’m not a fan of the bunker, in any way, shape or form,” Johns told SEN on Monday.

“As far as foul play is concerned, you can have another referee who can just have a glance.

“But as far as going to the referees for tries and replays and things like that, I think the game is better without it.

“And I think the other night was evidence of it.”