The NRL has stood by the on-field decision to send Jake Trbojevic to the sin bin for a professional foul late in Manly’s semifinal loss to South Sydney.
The call left the Sea Eagles fuming, with Nine Network cameras capturing footage of coach Des Hasler on the phone, reportedly demanding to speak with NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley after the match.
Annesley told reporters he has since spoken with Hasler several times.
There had been suggestions Hasler could be fined for his post-match comments, in which he claimed Manly had been “dudded”.
Yet while the decision isn’t up to Annesley, he went in to bat for the coach of the year favourite, saying Hasler simply disagrees with the call and did not question the integrity of the referees.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
Don’t think the tone is relevant. He stated they were dudfed which is cheated and would have otherwise won the game. It’s no wonder Burgess effectively got off for the Kangaroo Court (although he did get Free coffee)
mushi
Roar Guru
I wouldn't see it as that strong, especially given the tone.
Ron Norton
Guest
Annersley is incorrect when he says it has been the practice all season to use the sinbin when players not in possession of the ball are interfered with. Canberra captain Jarrod Croker was taken out of play deliberately while not being in possession of the ball just a couple of weeks ago in Melbourne without the offending player being sinbinned although referee Klein did award Canberra a penalty which Croker surprisingly failed to convert because he was still feeling the effects of Annersley's sinbinning offence. Get your facts right Annersley. Or is this just another way of supporting referees irrespective of the facts? Never let the facts get in the way of a good story eh?
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
I don’t know about that Mushi. Saying they were dudded effectively is saying they were cheated out of the game. If that’s is not a slight on the officials don’t know what is. If they don’t fine for that what will they fine for?
mushi
Roar Guru
I agree with the call but share GA's views that he wasn't over the top. Dudded shouldn't get a sanction. He clearly had a more forceful view, but he reigned that in.