Dolphins prop Josh Kerr set to challenge NRL breach notice after Origin referee controversy

The NRL delivered a breach notice to Maroons squad member Josh Kerr over his post-Origin comments about the performance of referee Ashley Klein - but he’s getting ready to fight back.

The Dolphins are set to challenge a $10,000 NRL breach notice issued to prop Josh Kerr following his controversial “double agent” Origin referee comments.

Kerr was hit with a proposed $10,000 fine by the NRL after making comments in the media about referee Ashley Klein’s performance in last Wednesday’s State of Origin series decider.

Kerr was part of Queensland’s 20-man squad but did not play in the game.

Speaking outside Queensland’s team hotel on Thursday morning, after a long night of partying following the Maroons’ 24-12 win at Accor Stadium, Kerr told television cameras he felt Klein tried to influence the contest with his decisions.

“I’m not sure how much trouble I could get into for saying it but geez I thought Ash Klein did a bit to try even it up or make it a bit closer,” he said.

Josh Kerr runs during the Queensland squad training session this year. Picture: Getty

“We were sitting there going, ‘it’s rorted, the game’s rorted’.

“I haven’t got the best eyesight at times but I’m watching forward passes and sh*t.

“We were all on the sideline just going, ‘oh, no, it’s a double agent’.

“But it makes it more exciting and brings out the Queenslander.”

The NRL issued a statement at the weekend alleging Kerr had breached the game’s code of conduct.

The proposed sanctions were not made public.

“Kerr made public statements following the match regarding the performance and integrity of the match officials which are alleged to have contravened the NRL Code of Conduct,” it said.

“The comments are considered detrimental to the best interests of the game and also serve to undermine the credibility of Match Officials.”

Kerr’s comments were made about leading referee Ashley Klein’s performance in Origin III. Picture: Getty

Kerr has until Friday to respond to the notice and the Dolphins are set to challenge it, believing his comments were made in jest.

The Dolphins are privately aggrieved that the Queensland Rugby League, which oversees the Maroons and Origin, did not shield Kerr from media, particularly given he did not play in the game.

Kerr, 29, is renowned for being one of the NRL’s most entertaining interviews and Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said his comments were not sinister.

“We’re supporting Kerry and have asked some questions around it, without going into details,” he said.

“That’s what everyone loves about Kerry. You put a microphone in front of his mouth and he tends to talk if you ask him a question.

The Dolphins have defended Josh Kerr, believing the comments were made in jest. Picture: Getty

“That’s his personality and why everyone loves being around him. He’s happy and talkative and always got something going on in his mind.

“He’s a great, fun guy to be around. It was certainly said in a fun context. I don’t think there was anything sinister about the comments at all. He was looking for a laugh.

“It’s a situation he shouldn’t have been put in, to be fair. It could have been handled a little bit better.

“I’m not going to point fingers at anyone or go into any more detail. It’s a situation he shouldn’t have been in and is probably a little bit harsh, particularly with the context.”

Kerr will come off the bench for the Dolphins in Thursday night’s clash with the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium.

Originally published as Dolphins prop Josh Kerr set to challenge NRL breach notice after Origin referee controversy