‘I’ve got a couple of issues’: Sheens takes aim at ‘poor’ refs after last-minute penalty drama

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens has declared he’ll be talking to the NRL referees’ boss over a major issue in his side’s loss on Friday night.

Sheens and Isaiah late penalty

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said he’ll be talking to the NRL referees’ boss after a controversial late penalty cost his side the match on Friday night.

The Tigers were ahead 19-18 in the 76th minute when Raiders halfback Jamal Fogarty’s field goal attempt sailed wide, but referee Gerard Sutton still blew his whistle.

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Sutton ruled Fogarty had his legs taken out by backrower Isaiah Papali’i which gifted Canberra a penalty goal in front - and the game.

“Well I’ll make my comments to the referees, but yeah, I’ve got a couple issues, for sure,” Sheens said after the game.

“I’m not gonna blow up. Ricky (Stuart) does that and it costs him $10,000, so I’m not gonna do the same but I’ll have my say - don’t worry about that.

“Two points are two points and every club is striving for them. This month is very, very important through the Origin series, when guys go out like Api (Koroisau), these wins are huge.

“Halfway through the season wins are huge and losses hurt you big time, there’s no doubt.”

Sheens and Isaiah late penalty

Skipper Koroisau was also asked about the incident and believes his side was unlucky.

“I guess that’s the game these days, you touch the kicker or they end up in a vulnerable position there’s a chance of being penalised,” he said.

“I think it was unlucky, I think he was on the ground sliding into him. It is what it is.”

Canberra coach Stuart had a surprising take on the incident, saying he “feels sorry” for Papali’i.

“He hit his leg and it’s unfortunate and I feel sorry for him because he’s only doing his best for his team and it was an accident,” Stuart said.

“Yeah it went our way but I feel sorry for him.”

Another off the post for Fogarty! 🟢⚪ #NRLTigersRaiderspic.twitter.com/ZeCp3nQLVA

— NRL (@NRL) June 2, 2023

Brooks closest to the ball, double handed push in the back, completely taken out.....yeah nah Raiders try 🤣🤣🤣🤣 #NRLTigersRaiderspic.twitter.com/yRgOHeqYj5

— Parko (@Parko23) June 2, 2023

Sheens was also frustrated with Luke Brooks being taken out as the Raiders scored their third try.

“Brooksy getting pushed I think was a poor call, he was running towards the ball, in fact it bounced off the goalposts and came back towards him and he got pushed over.

“You can’t push someone over, so I’m not happy about that one either and that resulted in a try, didn’t it.

“So there are a number of things that I think were poor.”

Originally published as ‘I’ve got a couple of issues’: Sheens takes aim at ‘poor’ refs after last-minute penalty drama