Rugby league Immortal and two-time premiership-winner Andrew Johns has ripped into the bunker and called on the NRL to step in and give control of the game back to the on-field referees.

The Newcastle Knights legend believes the bunker should only be used in try-scoring situations and for foul play.

“The constant input from the Bunker in their ear is destroying their feel for the game, goes against all the instincts they’ve been brought up with, and is making them hesitate when it comes to split-second decisions,” Johns wrote in The Sydney Morning Herald.

“They look like they’re constantly hesitating and second-guessing themselves.

“I don’t want to get into the controversy surrounding Stephen Crichton’s tackle and not being sent to the sin-bin last week.

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“It’s had more than enough air time.

“But I will reiterate my thoughts on the use of the Bunker: it should be for try-scoring situations and foul play resulting in a possible send-off. That’s it. Leave the rest to the referee and his match officials in the middle.

“The Bunker was brought in to stop the howler, but now it’s creating them.

“It’s got far too much influence in general play, and we have to stop overloading our referees with information.”