‘Both decisions are correct’: NRL to review Benji Marshall comments towards referees after backing contentious calls

The NRL has backed two referee calls which were labelled as “outrageous” by Benji Marshall in his side’s loss to the Panthers, with the Tigers coach’s incensed comments now under review.

The NRL is set to review comments by Benji Marshall following his side’s loss to Penrith on Sunday afternoon after backing two contentious calls that the Wests Tigers coach labelled as “outrageous”.

Marshall was fuming after his side was beaten in a tight contest at CommBank Stadium, his anger amplified by two calls that went against Tigers half Jarome Luai in the second half.

Luai was pinged for a late tackle on Blaize Talagi when the scores were 10-10, handing the Panthers the opportunity to give the Panthers a 12-10 lead, and then Penrith scored off an escort penalty against the Tigers captain.

The NRL reviewed both calls on Monday morning and backed them both.

“Having reviewed the vision of both incidents from multiple angles, the NRL is of the view that both decisions are correct,” NRL head of football Graham Annesley said.

“It’s clear from the vision that Jarome Luai props on his left foot and turns his back to initiate contact with Liam Martin.

Benji Marshall was left fuming over referee decisions in his side’s loss to the Panthers. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

“Regarding the contact on kicker Blaize Talagi, the rules are very clear, and have been reinforced with clubs on multiple occasions over recent seasons.

“Players have a duty of care to avoid dangerous contact with kickers who are in the process of kicking and in a vulnerable position.

“We see multiple examples every week where defenders have adjusted their technique to apply pressure to kickers without going through with the tackle.

“This is a player safety policy which has been in place for a number of years.”

It is understood the NRL will review Marshall’s comments after the completion of the round, having earlier this year outlined their plans to clamp down on criticism of the match officials.

Gold Coast coach Des Hasler was issued with a final warning last week after criticism of the video official Kasey Bunker.

North Queensland coach Todd Payten has also been warned over criticism of match officials this season. Marshall is the latest coach in the crosshairs as the NRL follows through on their vow to provide greater protection of the match officials.

Originally published as ‘Both decisions are correct’: NRL to review Benji Marshall comments towards referees after backing contentious calls