North Queensland coach Paul Green has called on match officials to "put the whistles in their pocket" to ensure an open spectacle in Sunday's NRL grand final in Sydney.
Green says fans deserve an exciting finish to the season and hopes referees Matt Cecchin and Gerard Sutton allow for a flowing game at ANZ Stadium.
Melbourne are notorious for slowing games with their wrestling but Green wants an up-tempo clash as the Cowboys bid to become the first team in history to win the premiership from eighth spot.
"The refs have been doing a pretty good job throughout the finals and I think if they get both teams back the 10 and keep the whistles in their pocket for most of the game, fans want to see an open game," Green said at Thursday's call of the two grand final captains and coaches.
"Both teams are capable of some wonderful footy so that's probably what fans want to see; a great spectacle and hopefully that's what we get on Sunday."
Green was fined $10,000 for his attack on match officials after North Queensland's round-15 23-22 loss to Melbourne in Townsville.
He denied the penalty was a good "investment" after seeing his side enjoy the rub of the green during their unexpected charge through the finals.
"That (outburst) was probably just the build-up of a few weeks where I didn't really feel I was getting some conversations happening (with NRL referees boss Tony Archer)," Green said.
"It's not about me being right or the referees being wrong and I regret that looking back now. It's not a great look for the game.
"But you get a little frustrated and it's important that you keep your emotions in check.
"But I've been happy with the dialogue since and I've been happy with the way the games have been managed."
Neither Green or Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy have any plans to seek a meeting with Archer before Sunday night's showdown.
"I haven't spoken to Tony at all. I expect it to be officiated the way it has been in finals," Bellamy said.
"At the end of the day, we try not to worry about other people's roles. We just worry about our roles this week."
Share
