Flanagan wants answers over late hits

CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has called on referees to protect kickers after two of his players were "clipped" yesterday.

Jeff Robson

CRONULLA coach Shane Flanagan has called on referees to protect kickers after two of his players were "clipped" during yesterday's match against Gold Coast at Toyota Stadium.

Sharks kickers Jeff Robson and Chad Townsend were both hit after kicking in general play - and Flanagan wants answers from NRL referees coach Bill Harrigan.

"When Brett Kimmorley was playing here a few years ago, he got hit after a kick and missed the rest of the year," Flanagan said.

"Tony Caine [former hooker] was hit here a few years ago by Steve Price and broke his leg.

"Both our players were hit today - not tackled.

"The rule states you must be attempting to make a tackle. You must at least wrap your arms around the kicker. That didn't happen today.

"Both players were clipped - one high - and there was no penalty. It frustrates me."

Robson and Townsend were uninjured but Flanagan wants late hits on kickers banned.

"I will talk to either [referees co-coaches] Bill Harrigan or Stuart Raper to get their opinions," he said.

"I don't want to kick up a huge stink but if I complain after a loss then you're seen as whinger. I might as well say something after a win.

"My side has given away a few penalties this year for this and I was filthy at them for not trying to make a proper tackle.

"It is a fine line. We have to protect the kickers but you also need to have kick-pressure."

It wasn't pretty yesterday but the 22-12 win was vital for Cronulla, who entered yesterday's match having lost three of their past four games.

Victory entrenches Cronulla in the top eight - the win meritorious given NSW Origin stars Todd Carney and Paul Gallen were absent.

Gold Coast were courageous too given they were without forwards Nate Myles, Greg Bird, Luke Bailey and Ashley Harrison. Halfback Scott Prince withdrew injured (back/hamstring) just before kick-off.

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