Confusion continues to surround allegations of diving made against St George Illawarra players by Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson.
The Tricolours mentor and member of the NRL’s competition committee has long rallied against the issue of players simulating injury in rugby league in an attempt to earn a penalty.
For the second successive year, Robinson accused the Dragons of lying down on Anzac Day after their controversial win at Allianz Stadium on Monday.
Robinson and McGregor are said to have clashed over the issue in the post-game on Monday and the Dragons coach continued that exchange on Wednesday.
“It was a sign of a frustrated man after the game,” McGregor said.
However, star Dragons playmaker Benji Marshall appeared to admit McGregor was encouraging his players to stay down for penalties.
“The rule is if you make contact with the head you are more than likely going to get a penalty,” Marshall told Fox Sports’ NRL 360.
“The coaches will say it, they say if you get hit in the head stay down because you know it’s going to go up (to the bunker).
“It’s within the rules, and until they take it out it will be there forever. Every team is guilty of it.”
Dragons forward Joel Thompson was asked what he thought of Robinson’s comments after his grade two high tackle was successfully down graded at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday.
“It’s not my place to comment. It’s for those players personally,” he said.
Fight fair
Guest
Either penalise all head highs or none of them. Same with forward passes. As a fan there is nothing more infuriating than seeing your team being penalised for a high shot and then the opposition not being penalised for the exact same tackle. If the bunker sees it before the next play the ball then ping it.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
That's funny
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
And here's to you Mrs Robinson Have another sook like Russell Crow Woe,woe,woe
Zedman
Roar Rookie
A bit of payback from Marshall for what he considers a paltry offer on a new contract. Complete sook who is allowing his ego to turn a bit nasty.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
There are way too many high shots that are not being punished. I don't condone laying down, but I can at least understand the motives.
db
Guest
After losing 7 out of 8 games to start a season, any media attention on Pearce is probably the least of the Rooster's problems.
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
Yes, after being put in a sleeper hold by the Roosters player. No wonder he couldn't get up.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Trent Robinson and the Roosters are to clever for the RL media, The whole Saga was an elaborate ruse to keep the Media away from Mitchell Pearce leading into his first game back!!
Pot Stirrer
Guest
McGregor even admitted in his comments that Nighting gale stayed down to get a penalty
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
You are incorrect. Benji referred to coaches in general. He did not refer to MacGregor specifically. MacGregor has stated emphatically that staying down in the tackle has never been discussed. None of the incidents in question went to video referral. The video ref elected to report what he considered to be illegal and dangerous play, and the on-field ref then acted on them.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Agree 100%. If the ref misses it there are systems in place to catch it after the game. Marshall stitched McGregor right up on 360 last night.
db
Guest
McGregor's credibility is shaky. He has told his players to stay down but as Benji Marshall pointed out, McGregor isn't the only coach issuing such an instruction. The solution is to restrict video referral to try scoring situations only. It is preferable for an on-field referee to miss a high tackle than to have a system that encourages players to behave like Michael Ennis.
jeandetroyes
Guest
The merits of what Trent Robinson had to say on that fateful day aside, someone needs to call him out big time on not adhering to the principles espoused for ANZAC Day. A bit of humility, a recognition that there are more important things than Rugby League - it made a mockery of the pe-game hype and makes you realise just how much hypocrisy goes into the sentiments expressed in promoting the weekend. Shame on you Trent Robinson! (By the way, I'm neither a Dragons nor Roosters supporter)
JohnnoMcJohnno
Roar Rookie
MacGregor calmly and methodically refuted all Robinson and Friends allegations. Where does that leave Trent's credibility now?