NRL 2022: Manly issue final warning to Des Hasler over ref criticism

Manly coach Des Hasler copped yet another fine from the NRL this week and club chairman Scott Penn has put his foot down.

Scott Penn wants coach Des Hasler to shut his trap. Picture: Brett Costello

Manly has warned veteran coach Des Hasler about any future criticism of referees in the wake of his $25,000 fine from the NRL.

It is the fifth time Hasler has been fined for criticising match officials since 2007.

Manly chairman Scott Penn spoke to Hasler about the situation on Friday.

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(L-R) Manly Chairman Scott Penn Chairman has given Des Hasler his final warning. Picture: Brett Costello

“It was heat of the moment and super disappointing to lose like we did,” Penn said.

“But you can’t bag the refs and we all know that.

“I’ve spoken to Des and he understands. It’s the final time we want to be having this conversation.

“You’ve got to bite your tongue. Deal with it in-house and then internally with the NRL.”

Penn admits that his club overstepped the mark.

They were smashed 9-2 in the penalties and didn’t get a set restart.

“What Des said was overstepping a little bit,” Penn said.

“If it had stopped there, we may have got a slap on the wrist but then Josh (Aloiai) spoke at training and took it to the next level.

“I appreciate the passion but we can’t say those things in the media.

“We’ve got to prosecute our case behind closed doors with the NRL.

“We’re not proud of it and it’s not appropriate to bag referees publicly. The game has to protect its officials.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Manly issue final warning to Des Hasler over ref criticism