Phil Gould has labelled the NRL judiciary system “flawed” as Sydney Roosters star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves looks to miss a preliminary final for tripping.
Waerea-Hargreaves will fight his tripping charge at the judiciary on Tuesday night, looking to beat a suspension for the third time in two months.
The New Zealand international will deny sticking his leg out on South Sydney centre James Roberts in the Roosters’ thumping qualifying final win last Friday.
Normally the charge would only attract a fine but because of Waerea-Hargreaves’ chequered history, he doesn’t qualify for a monetary penalty.
The prop has been charged by the match review committee six times this year but he’s been banned for just three games.
Despite his poor disciplinary record, Gould believes the punishment will not fit the crime if Waerea-Hargreaves misses playing the winner of the semi-final between Melbourne and Parramatta.
“It’s not the offence that’s the problem. The offence shouldn’t be a suspended offence. They’ve been fining it forever and we get in this position every year at this time,” Gould told 100% Footy.
“For that incident, you should not be missing any game. If it’s a finable offence once it should always be fineable.
“The fact that he’s had previous offences leading into this and they say you can’t have another fine you’ve got to miss a game, well that’s a flaw in the rules.
“Just make it a rising fine. I bet when it gets to $10,000 they won’t do it. The rules are flawed.
“Nobody, not even the three panel members who find him guilty when he goes to the judiciary, believes he should be missing a game for that.”
Penrith star James Maloney unsuccessfully fought a tripping charge at the judiciary in round 20.
The duad
Guest
Everyones entitled to an opinion about Gould but the insults are a bit trite and inane. I have no problem with Gould at least he is better than someone who has never played the game. Greenburg on the other hand seems to think rugby league is his own personal fiefdom and as the games feudal overlord we must all acquiesce to his every whim. With his paid functionaries exercising his every command he can not only control the rules and results he can also control players clubs and coaches and turn them into Greenburg sycophants.
Nick
Roar Guru
His views are contradictory. He wants a return to the 80's... But hasn't been able to reconcile the fact that the "glory days" also had incredibly punitive punishments as well.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Gould wants the players and fans to love him. He can’t really believe the Neanderthal views he spouts can he?
Big Daddy
Guest
At least he is consistent. He also stood up for Burgess not to be suspended.
Mon
Guest
No, no he didn’t. And he doesn’t come close to most of the Burgess boys in talent.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
I think they meant commissionaire. Hotels are crying out for a man with his door opening talent
Big Daddy
Guest
What I'm sick of is all these ex player's peeing in each other's pockets wanting gould as the saviour. I'm sure he is a competent administrator but what we don't need is another jobs for the boys like Richardson and Analascanbe.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Jurbo is how you spell it and as a Manly fan I was surprised that he wasn't suspended. I don't think their is an argument about it not being a deliberate trip but that won't stop them trying it on.
Nick
Roar Guru
If Gould got into a position of power, he'd bankrupt the game. His idea of justice would lead to 100's of civil suits against the NRL. People WILL die on the field if he gets his way. His refusal to punish anyone for anything is lethal.
Nick
Roar Guru
Bingo Nat
Nick
Roar Guru
Absolutely. That was a dive 24/7
Nick
Roar Guru
No Noosa You keep getting caught for little speeding infractions, and you MUST lose your license You become a risk and liability otherwise. It's the same principle for JWH and Burgess. Besides, I don't know why anyone is arguing this. JWH tripped someone. That's a dog act. And Gould is wrong. That was always a suspension back in the day. It's poor form that it no longer is
Nick
Roar Guru
No - there are some well-meaning fools on this website too. There have been a stack of articles this year where people say he should be a commissioner.
Rob
Guest
That "dud" single-handedly dominated the entire Souths pack on the weekend.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I don't have dog in this fight, my beef is with the inconsistency and where some people get different 'preferential' treatment.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
that would be better than what we have now. all most of us want is some consistency. But the 66 in a 60 zone is like the Burgess hair pull, it was worth a penalty and possibly 10 in the bin, end of story penalty paid and You know I am not a Bunnies fan. As for JWH as a Roosters supporter I am frustrated with the constant brain explosions he has just as Wayne Bennett is frustrated with the brain explosions that Burgess has. That sort of stuff lets the team and your team mates down no matter how much they love you and think you are so inspirational. Tim Mannah was inspirational but you never saw him up on these sort of dumb charges ....Yes sometimes it can go wrong for these big hitting front row players but there is a huge difference between accidental and dumb & Stupid
steveng
Roar Rookie
HaHaaa, what a clown but, typical of the chook supporters, listen here, JWH dosen't need any references, as he's got people in 'glass chook pens' to protect him! The bloke is a goose and a dud and dosen't come close to Sam's abilities, boofhead!
Nat
Roar Guru
True, but it's the same in general life. Like getting caught doing 66kmh around town 5x. On it's own it may not be worth losing your licence but how many warnings/fines do yo get before they suspend you. Up the fine to $20k and people will scream it's not worth that amount. It's not, the fine is supposed to be a deterrent but if it's not deterring you the next step has to be far more significant. After the fact is too late to say 'this ... is not worth ... penalty' when they have tried to deter you multiple times previously.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
My point was not about the trip, it looks to be a trip, wish people would read what I actually wrote. However I agree with Gould about the system it is all over the place ..for Instance Burgess gets a week for pulling a bloke hair and Trovovich or however you spell it from Manly get nothing for a dangerous tackle .....
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
I was not siding with Gus about the trip I just agreed about the system being out of whack ... I believe each case should be dealt with in context and this carry over points and fine shot out the window. Part of the problem is now the all up contract where the sign on fee and match payment and performance incentives have gone out the window. These days its all pay and no responsibility so the bloke still gets paid for sitting on the side lines..