North Queensland back-rower Ethan Lowe says he has no recollection of touching referee Gerard Sutton during the NRL premiers’ crushing 40-0 win over Sydney Roosters.
Injuries to Tricolours Dale Copley (pectoral muscle) and Ian Henderson (broken leg) snatched the spotlight from the incident as Trent Robinson’s side sunk to its biggest-ever loss at the hands of the Cowboys.
But following David Klemmer’s judiciary appearance the previous night, Lowe found himself being mentioned in relation to the game’s issue of the moment.
“I didn’t realise, I didn’t know what it was,” Lowe told Triple M.
“I didn’t realise it happened so I don’t know.
Meanwhile, North Queensland coach Paul Green gave a half-joking but less-than-complimentary assessment of fullback Lachlan Coote’s performance when some positive stats were recited to him at Thursday night’s media conference.
“Do you want me to go through all his stats?” Green responded.
“Kick errors, a couple of turnovers of possession off line-breaks.”
The Roosters’ first two weeks were the worst in their history in terms of points conceded – and then things got worse.
“It’s not where we want to be,” said captain Jake Friend.
“It hurts. It’s a bit embarrassing.
“We’re going to do our best to fix it as a group and get better.”
The premiers, meanwhile, now head into a grand final rematch with Brisbane with form under their belts.
“It’s still only worth two points,” Green said of the blockbuster clash.
“I think there’ll be a good crowd there, which will be good.
“There’ll be a good atmosphere around the ground. It’s such a great place to play, Suncorp Stadium.
“In saying that, though, since I’ve been coach we haven’t had a win there either. The occasion will get the boys up.”
Big J
Guest
I agree with that statement but it still remains you can't touch the ref but refs should also avoid contact will players
The Barry
Roar Guru
No...but you'd think they were getting mugged in the street with all this carry on.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Haven't seen anything yet that could be constituted "man-handling". Slight touch maybe.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Shame it isn't the refs as we wouldn't be having this discussion. As I said in another article on the same subject (ridiculous that there are ANY articles) let the refs be the ones who deem whether contact is worth further action. Penalise and put it on report, same as anything. Lowe's action was automatic, to avoid or soften any collision with the ref. He doesn't remember it happening, the ref probably doesn't remember it but it still ends up with the MRC? Utterly ridiculous.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I can't wait to see how many refs get man handled...
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Really looking forward to the Bronc's game. Love a local derby.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
The "pocket" ref was moving backwards to get back into position and backed into the player. An unwanted side effect of having two referees on the field. I still feel that touching the ref should be an offence and should either result in a fine or suspension. I had hoped (silly me) that after the past few days, the NRL may have brought this to start from this round, they didn't. In cases where the referee is at fault, like this case, it should still be brought to the MRC.
Spongebob
Guest
Huge win, quite surprised. Wet track, Cowboys were down last week, Roosters surely wanting to perform. I thought Cows would win but certainly not $1.25 favourites. 2 injuries certainly won't help the Roosters cause.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It's not the refs though...
steveng
Roar Rookie
Come on this is getting 'RIDICOLOUS', but I saw that, it was when Lowe was coming back on site and Sutton nearly collided with him and he put his arm out, what's wrong with that? These referees are becoming prima donnas of the highest order. Bring back the biff!!!