Players who constantly hound referees should be sin binned and face contrary conduct charges

Every week NRL stars are deliberately placing pressure on referees by arguing decisions, complaining about rulings and demanding penalties … and its trickling down to junior rugby league matches, writes DEAN RITCHIE.

This must stop. Now.

NRL players are deliberately projecting unwarranted pressure on referees every round by constantly arguing decisions, complaining about interpretations and waving their arms around demanding a penalty.

It’s churlish and unnecessary.

Players are getting in-the-face of match officials protesting on-field rulings in a clear attempt to influence and intimidate.

It borders on harassment.

I went to watch a junior rugby league game last week and guess what? The kids were complaining about refereeing decisions and throwing their arms about seeking a penalty.

And you can draw a strong link between what’s happening at NRL level to park football where amateur refs – with no security or protection – are being placed under horrible pressure.

Over the past month, Bulldog’s Bite found photos of Jack Wighton, Kieran Foran, Junior Tatola, Mitch Moses, Josh Addo-Carr, Jarome Luai, Api Koroisau, Latu Fainu, Clint Gutherson, Adam Reynolds, Dane Gagai, Zac Lomax, Dylan Walker and Damien Cook being heavily combative with referees.

There is also a horrible photo of Dolphins players collectively erupting at a touch judge in round 16.

I have no doubt that players expressing on-field dissent incites fans to then blow-up.

It is a cultural problem in rugby league and it’s not on.

Non-captains are now haranguing match officials when they should just shut their mouths.

It’s time that the NRL end this charade and start sin-binning players who excessively and aggressively dispute decisions. Incessant objecting should result in a player sitting down for ten minutes and then facing a charge of contrary conduct.

I can’t help but think coaches blowing up post-game only adds to a culture of blame in our game.

Sometimes angry players are actually following referees to disagree with a ruling even before the bunker has reached a decision. Some refs now have to walk away from squabbling players simply to communicate with the senior review official.

Do players remonstrating over a decision really believe the ref will change his mind?

The NRL should start sin binning players who dispute referee decisions. Picture: Getty Images

Official NRL rules state a player, normally the captain, can ask the referee for a reason behind a decision – not to debate the matter.

The stakes are high and heat is on in each match but why are players constantly waving around their arms in a bid to sway a referee?

Do they really think it will result in a penalty?

Just keep your arms down, focus on the next play and play some bloody footy.

Coaches are telling players to constantly challenge referees seeking leniency.

Forget about missed tackles or dropped balls, let’s blame a 33rd minute penalty for the loss.

The first instinct for a player who made a mistake, missed a tackle or conceded a penalty is to question the decision.

Don’t think touch judges are immune either. Players are chirping at poor old touchies whenever they feel there is a forward pass. Whether it was forward or not doesn’t matter – just let the abuse fly.

Can we just allow match officials to do their job without a constant layer of pressure being thrown on them by a disgruntled player.

There have been times this year when a group of angry players have actually gathered around a referee. It’s a gang-up and they have no right to be there.

Players are also milking penalties and staying down when uninjured in an attempt to hoodwink a referee.

It’s all about placing undue pressure on the ref, trying to push and push until he buckles. And when he does buckle and makes a poor call, it’s the same players then complaining.

Players have to end this hectoring and hounding of referees.

It’s menacing behaviour that must stop.

Now.

DOG TREATS

BULLDOGS CHAMPION SNUBS REUNION

Champion forward Dean Pay was a sad absentee at Canterbury’s 1995 premiership reunion at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Pay still feels detached from the club after being sacked as Canterbury head coach in July, 2020.

Given the amazing role he played in that ’95 side, it was upsetting for the club that Pay didn’t attend the 30-year celebration.

Canterbury has unsuccessfully reached out to Pay previously around big events.

Thirteen of 16 players from the ’95 side, plus coach Chris Anderson, attended the big game.

Ewen McGrady (right) with Payl Langmack (left).

SPOTTED

There was a rare sighting this week of reclusive Bulldogs legend Ewan McGrady.

NSWRL mental fitness and wellbeing manager and ex-Canterbury and Wests teammate Paul Langmack bumped McGrady while visiting Boggabilla Central School in far north NSW.

McGrady, now 61, lives in Toomelah and only finished playing footy a few years ago when with Warialda.

“I play a bit of local knockout footy every now and then,” McGrady told Bulldog’s Bite. “I might play in a Legends of League game later this year.”

Langmack, who hadn’t seen McGrady in 31 years, said: “He was the fastest player I have ever played with – faster than Josh Addo-Carr. He only ran as fast as he had to.”

A shy McGrady famously claimed the 1991 Rothmans Medal but didn’t attend the gala night at Sydney’s Hilton Hotel. He was quickly located and rushed to the ceremony with a police escort to accept his award.

Simon Cook, who resigned as Wests Ashfield chief executive and Holman Barnes Group CEO earlier this month, has become a volunteer helper for a Sydney suburban rugby union club.

SPOTTED

Simon Cook, who resigned as Wests Ashfield chief executive and Holman Barnes Group CEO earlier this month, has found a new relaxation – being a volunteer helper for a Sydney suburban rugby union club.

Away from the high-pressure behind Wests Tigers, Cook was spotted running the water for Petersham’s first grade side last Saturday in a Barraclough Cup game against Forest at Melwood Oval, Forestville.

Cook also manages Petersham’s Colts and coaches the Leichhardt Wanderers under 11s rugby league team.

Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase being asked for selfies while watching his old school side, St Patrick’s College, play a suburban rugby union match at Hudson Park, Strathfield.

SPOTTED

Spotted: Sydney Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase being asked for selfies while watching his old school side, St Patrick’s College, play a suburban rugby union match at Hudson Park, Strathfield.

MARKET WATCH

Canberra has started working through negotiations to retain forwards Simi Sasagi and Ata Mariota.

Given their success this year, Canberra wants to retain the core of the current squad over the next two to three seasons.

Originally published as Players who constantly hound referees should be sin binned and face contrary conduct charges