St George Illawarra coach Nathan Brown has warned of an NRL “bloodbath” unless the game’s governing body stops turning a blind eye to Melbourne’s use of illegal tactics.
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Brown unleashed the extraordinary and pre-meditated outburst after claiming to be insulted by Billy Slater’s defence at the NRL judiciary last night.
The Storm fullback said he was provoked into instigating an all-in brawl by a series of headbutts from Dragons winger Jason Nightingale.
Slater successfully argued for a downgrade on his contrary conduct charge after he was pinged by the match review committee for unleashing a flurry of punches on Nightingale.
“As far as I’m concerned the only thing Jason did wrong is he didn’t headbutt him hard enough,” Brown said.
“That’s what he should have done.
“Then Jeff Lima kicks Jason Ryles in the scrum, and then Ryles gets sent off for kicking back.
“Jason Ryles should have unpacked out of the scrum and put one on his chin and then when he went down give him more because you’ve got to fight the fire with the fire.
“Whingeing about it … it does shit, it doesn’t do anything.”
An incensed Brown claimed the Storm were getting away with murder at the ruck, and called for officials to stamp it out of the game or for other teams to be given the same leniency.
And he warned of dire ramifications should officials continue to ignore concerns from rival NRL sides, with Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler and Cronulla and Australian Test coach Ricky Stuart this week both voicing their disapproval of the Storm tactics.
Brown even hinted at a new type of tackle being used to slow down the play the ball, with the `Shinboner’ – where an defender uses his shinbone to rub up and down the attacker’s Achilles heel, being used on several of his players.
This just adds to the list which already includes, the grapple, the prowler, the crusher and the chicken wing.
“Melbourne have been very, very good at it (and have been) for a long time,” Brown said.
“We’re not good enough at it — they’re better at … half of it they invented, they’ll tell you they didn’t.
“It doesn’t bother me they do it, but what bothers me is the officials in our game keep letting the system down.
“We went there the other night to ruffle their feathers.
“They keep letting it happen and my advice to other sides is the only chance you’ve got of beating Melbourne is to join in, you join in and get in and rip in a make the game a bloodbath.
“That’s the only way you can win unless the officials want to change their approach to the game.”
Brown made no secret of the fact his side wanted to muscle up against the Storm, but admitted that game plan was thrown out the window when enforcer Ryles was sent off for kicking Lima, a decision referees boss Robert Finch panned the next day.
The Dragons mentor, who last week signed a three-year deal to coach Huddersfield in the English Super League next season, said he hoped the red and whites were handed another assignment against the Storm this season.
That will only happen if the two should meet in the finals, but it promises to be a spicy one should it eventuate.
“I hope we get another crack at the Storm because you can tell the officials if they’re going to keep reffing the way they ref the ruck, we’re coming harder next time because that’s the way, you’ve got to fight it,” he said.
“My tip for every side is don’t worry about whingeing about what’s happening, just join in.”
Alan
Guest
Where do the quotes in this article come from? They are not in the Nathan Brown video and I have seen the full version which puts what Brown is saying in context. If you have another raw interview, you should be posting it somewhere.
Phil Coorey
Guest
"As a passionate Melbourne Storm Fan" So your the one!
JASON ANDREW TOPPIN FROM BORONIA VICTORIA AUSTRALIA
Guest
As a passionate Melbourne Storm Fan I would like to say to St George IllaWarra Coach Nathan Brown this... You have given us amo & when we meet your Dragons we will show you who is number one. Adleast Craig Belamy will be Coaching in the NRL in the furture & he is not going to Engaland. Refree Gavin Badger made the right move by sending Jason Ryles off & he should have sent Jason Nightinggale off too, Go Storm in 2008!
spud murphy
Roar Rookie
It seems every time something honest comes out of someones mouth they are branded a sore loser or its said they are suffering tall poppy syndrome. Are we all turning into Yanks, have we too forgotten that everything we say does not have to be politically correct, that honesty is a positive thing. Thats how he felt and thats what he said Hooray for Browny. His post match press conference was controlled considering the way his team were treated,so it not about the loss. It is about copping a raw deal on the night, not playing the blame game and then having to listen to Billy Slater blamed Nightingale. I don't blame him, not only did Melbourne start it and get off lightly, they then had the hide to blame St George after Saints said nothing. On the field if somebody grapples or chicken wings or shinbones then they are fighting, what are the rest of the sides to do, lay down. Melbourne steal inches and seconds illegally better than any other side because they concentrate on these tactics, and they keep inventing new ones. Other coaches try to counter but are getting frustrated at these tactics because they know where it leads the game. Melbourne have the lowest offload rate of any team in the NRL, i dont mind them winning but not at the cost of the spectacle, if every side did it to the extent Melbourne does that game would be a bore fest. Good on you Browny, Fittler and Stuart for taking them on.
Captain Carnage
Guest
So that is why the Storm are the best team, because they are owned by News Ltd. Nothing to do with the magnificent job their recruiting staff have done. Right... P.S. I am not a Storm fan. It is a somewhat of a myth that the Storm wrestle/slow down the play the ball much more than other teams. I watch every game, every week and have never been able to fathom the distress that Melbourne's ruck control and alleged illegal tactics cause other coaches, other than to put it down to Tall Poppy Syndrome. And another thing, anyone who thinks that Slater should get two weeks for that, let alone one, is a homo.
NickF
Guest
The NRL is owned by News Ltd The referees are employed by News Ltd The Storm owned by News Lts. Need I say more?
Rick
Guest
You may not like him or the Dragons but at least you have to like the fact he's actually spoken his mind. Slater's a grub - he didn't unload any punches until Nightingale was wrapped up by two others. He should have taken the 2 weeks and been happy with that.
Phil Coorey
Guest
Tall Grubby Syndrome is is Captain Carnage They are the best team in the competition with three maybe four once in a generation players (Folau, Slater, Inglis and Smith) Why do they have to resort to playing like crumbs?? I hate the Dragons more than life itself - but Monday night was a farce and let us remember that Brown is outraged at "how" Slater had his charge downgraded.
Terry Kidd
Guest
I disagree with Brown's incitement but I agree with the intent. I love to watch the Storm play league but I hate their tactics at the ruck and I agree that refs seem to let them get away with it. The Storm's tactics last Monday .... sliding up over the neck to hold the player down and wrestle him when the tackle was already completed, stamping on hands, kicking in scrums ... their niggle just goes on and on with no ref having the balls to referee to the rules against them. Good on Brown for bringing the problem into the open again .... he is not the only coach, or knowledgeable person who thinks this way.
Captain Carnage
Guest
Ah Brownie, from inexperienced coach thrown in at the deep end, to two preliminary final appearances with the best squad in the NRL to a big whinging sook. What a ride for Dragons fans it has been! R.E. Storm; Tall poppy syndrome I believe it's called...
Phil Coorey
Guest
Tom - the game was effectively ended when Ryles was sent off. Am I saying St George would have won? No - in fact I was hoping they'd lose by 40 because they are a rubbish team who feasted on 3 weak teams courtesy of the stupid State of Origin. But I am inclined to agree with Brown on this one - the Storm get away with murder on the field especially that crumb Crocker. It was plain to see.
sledgeross
Guest
Firstly, Im from Bankstown. Secondly, I go for Cronulla. So I pretty much despise the Dragons and their supporters, and have never been a massive Nathan Brown fan. So Im not speaking with any pro-St George Illawarra bias here. I admire what he said. Sure it was controversial and pushing the boundary, but we need more people to be honest. Im not saying Melbourne didnt deserve to win, but the Dragons did get the raw prawn, especially with the benefit of hindsight and replays. But thats footy! I was torn about the Ryles incident because I think he is a cat, but it was harsh. And what about Geyer deliberatley treading on Sowards hand!
George M
Guest
Talk about inciting violence - leave it to the Refs.
Tom Bosley
Guest
Good riddance to Nathan Brown. He has taken a team ladened with state of origin players (not so much this year) and achieved nothing. Clubs need to learn that just because a guy is a good bloke doesnt mean he is going to be a good coach. 26-0 Nathan and this is what you want to talk about?