Manly coach Geoff Toovey called for a limited pool of experienced referees to control the NRL finals, after his side’s 24-16 victory over Gold Coast on Saturday secured a top-four spot for his side.
The Sea Eagles led 24-4 early in the second half at Skilled Park, easing up but still posting a sixth straight victory in front of 14,927 fans.
They will take on minor premiers Canterbury in next week’s qualifying finals, after denying North Queensland a chance to crack the top four and earn a double chance.
Toovey was furious that a late Greg Bird tackle on Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans was not placed on report or even penalised.
“I’m just amazed at some of the things that go on,” Toovey said.
“A young half (Cherry-Evans) was dumped on his head in a dangerous position and nothing happens.
“I just don’t understand – I’m dumbfounded. Did anyone see it differently to me? Obviously the video ref saw it differently.”
Toovey said it was vital that the top referees were in control for the finals when the stakes were so high.
“I hope they get the best officials going forward to the semi-finals,” he said.
“If they have to get the same four or five, including the bloke in the video box, then they have to do that.”
Cherry-Evans commented on the 49th-minute tackle, “I haven’t seen it because I was down with a sore head.
“I’ve got no doubt it was late because I had passed the ball and I was watching the play. I’m sure the intention wasn’t there to hurt me.”
His halves partner Kieran Foran was superb against the Titans, who were out of finals reckoning and without hooker Matt Srama (shoulder) and Queensland State of Origin lock Ashley Harrison (ribs).
Sea Eagles back-rower Anthony Watmough left the field early in the first half with a left arm injury but Toovey said it was a precautionary measure and he would be OK for the finals.
Titans coach John Cartwright had no doubt the Sea Eagles deserved favouritism in the premiership race.
“I think they’re the best side on paper and they’re finding form at the right end of the year,” he said.
“They’ve got everything covered. They’ve got size, great halves, the fullback [Brett Stewart] is coming to hand really well and their back-row is really strong.”
The Titans led 4-0 early before Manly scored 18 unanswered points, with Foran having a hand in all of their three tries before the break.
The Kiwi international also denied a try to Titans five-eighth Aidan Sezer, with a desperate one-on-one strip.
“It definitely made my job a lot easier tonight, the way he took control,” Cherry-Evans said. “He was the spark tonight.”
Toovey said he wasn’t fazed that the defending premiers had scored only 10 points during the second half in their past three matches – wins against Newcastle, Brisbane and the Titans.
“It’s not a concern at all,” Toovey said. “Our boys are experienced and they lift when necessary. That’s what we’ve done over the last month.
“I think there’s plenty of areas where we can improve.”
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