NRL warns club CEOs the video bunker is not to be openly criticised

THIS is the warning letter sent to all 16 club CEOs that reveals that criticising the NRL’s $2 million bunker technology is now strictly off limits.

New coach Anthony Griffin addresses the Panthers team during a training session at Pepper Stadium .Picture Gregg Porteous

THIS is the warning letter sent to all 16 club CEO’s that reveals bagging the NRL’s $2 million bunker technology is now strictly off limits.

NRL coaches, players or club officials who criticise the video technology risk being hit with a fine of up to $20,000.

Under the code of conduct the bunker is now considered a match official.

Confidential email to club bosses.

Introduced for the first time this season, the video bunker was widely applauded in the opening two weeks of the competition.

But ever since, the bunker has copped the full brunt of frustration from fans, commentators, coaches and officials who have questioned controversial decisions on an almost weekly basis.

Penrith coach Anthony Griffin recently described the video system as “Russian roulette” while Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan has stated whether the NRL has preferred the speed of decisions from the bunker, over accuracy.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett also weighed into the bunker debate last week by claiming the video technology should be used strictly for the ruling of tries only.

Bennett claimed the bunker was getting involved in some acts of foul play, but not others.

NRL referees boss Tony Archer has already this weekend been forced to publicly defend the bunker following two polarising decisions during Parramatta’s gutsy win over Manly at Brookvale Oval on Friday.

“Overall the bunker has been a success,’’ Archer told The Daily Telegraph.

“We’ve seen decision-making which has been faster, more accurate and more consistent.’’

However, the email sent from NRL football operations general manager Nathan McGuirk to every club CEO Friday morning states that just as coaches risk a breach notice for criticising match officials, the same principle has been introduced for comments about the bunker.

“This is a reminder about the rules in relation to comments on match officials,’’ McGuirk wrote.

Penrith coach Anthony Griffin isn’t the only one to hit out at the bunker.

“We have seen some slackening with compliance in this area in the early rounds — particularly in relation to video referees.

“The Code of Conduct was revised last year such that no Club, Club Official (including a coach) or player may comment on or with respect to the performance of a match official.

“This applies to video referees located in the bunker in the same way it applies to referees and other officials at the ground.

“We have demonstrated some flexibility in the early part of the season as everyone has adjusted to the bunker technology but from here on in any non-compliance with the rules will likely be the subject to a breach notice.

“It would be appreciated if this could be circulated to all Club Officials, Coaches and Players for their information.’’