Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens believes NRL players are “playing in skirts” while Sydney Roosters coach Brad Fittler accused referees of being overly aggressive in a bitter aftermath to Sunday’s clash at the Sydney Football Stadium.
The Tigers won the game 17-10, but it was the performance of referees Gavin Badger, Tony de las Heras and Phil Cooley (video referee) that left both coaches seething.
Sheens was furious Taniela Tuiaki was denied his second try in the 44th minute because Robbie Farah ran behind John Skandalis, who collided ever-so-softly with Roosters defender Riley Brown.
The no-try ruling by Cooley didn’t cost the Tigers the competition points as they went on to claim their fifth straight win to step into the NRL top eight, but Sheens was furious.
“We’re playing in skirts. That is ridiculous,” said Sheens.
“If that stopped that try you’ve got to be kidding me. He was no chance at catching Robbie, the player that was so-called obstructed.
“That’s how they (referees) react when they cop a bake from their coach during training during the week or from you guys in the media.
“They panic and go the other end of the scale and make another mistake.
“That was a try, it was always a try, it’s ridiculous.”
While Sheens let his feelings known after the game, Roosters captain Craig Fitzgibbon lost his cool on the field as he charged towards the referees shouting and gesturing after Beau Ryan scored in the 55th minute to give the Tigers a 10-8 lead.
With Mitchell Aubusson already in the sin bin for a ruck offence after a Tigers break, an angered Fitzgibbon was warned to calm his emotions by Badger or he would join his teammate on the sidelines.
“I probably crossed the line a little bit there. As for putting my passion and commitment in my back pocket, I’m not doing that,” said Fitzgibbon.
“It’s just hard, we’re coming last and everything is stacked against us for starters and then a couple of things go their way and you’re busting your arse and, heaven forbid, you question a decision. Big deal.
“I can understand we give penalties away and I’m not disputing that but, as for other teams, it’s just beyond me.
“It could be a poor me syndrome from us too. We’re probably whinging a little bit because we’re coming last and it’s going against us. (But) I’m not going to stop (asking questions) either until it turns.”
Fittler said the problem wasn’t that referees made bad decisions – he hates their attitude.
“I hate the attitude they take into the game. They’re so aggressive with the way they talk to players,” said Fittler.
“They talk about respect, the only way they should be getting respect back is if a bloke talks to them they should be just marching them 10 metres. That’s the way you’re going to get respect.
“The way they bark … it kills me.”
The Roosters led 8-4 at halftime thanks to tries to Setaimata Sa and Shaun Kenny-Dowall but couldn’t get across the stripe in the second half.
Anthony Minichiello went closest, but he was brilliantly dragged down in a trysaving tackle by Tim Moltzen in the 58th minute.
A second half double to Beau Ryan and 75th minute field goal by Robbie Farah secured the come-from-behind victory and moved the Tigers to seventh on the NRL table.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
The Sydney Roosters have released a statement threatening legal action over the video that has been circulating on social media of Brandon Smith, Terrell…
No other forward in his time came close to his dominance as a ball distributor, and his all-round influence on a game.
The Roosters five-eighth copped a knock from Lindsay Collins.
Tomorrow morning we’ll see Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Uysk dispute the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world in the heat of Saudi Arabia, and…
The Sharks skipper was stopped in his tracks by the smaller man!
