Canterbury coach Des Hasler has labelled the NRL's referees the most inconsistent he's ever seen after the Bulldogs thrilling 20-18 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
Just a day after Manly coach Trent Barrett let his feelings know on a 14-4 penalty count in favour of Penrith, Hasler heaped further scrutiny on the officials in a frustrated post-match rant.
The Bulldogs coach was seemingly most frustrated over a last-minute penalty against crowd-favourite Josh Reynolds for an escort off a short kickoff, which gave Newcastle a shot at goal to send the match into golden point.
The attempt went well wide, however Hasler was still infuriated after his team scored two tries in the final five minutes to steal the match.
"The officiating ... I think it's the most inconsistent I have ever seen it," Hasler said.
"I think (referees boss) Tony (Archer) has got some work to do.
"They create calls that they don't need to create calls. We've got touchies making calls, pocket referees making calls."
Hasler claimed the referees weren't willing to help themselves in a spray that could see him earn the attention of the NRL.
"They've been told a number of times how to fix it but it doesn't seem to resonate with them," Hasler said.
"We'll keep supporting them and keep helping them and keep suggesting things, but it falls on deaf ears sometimes."
Hasler's comments came after Archer defended his officials' decision-making in Penrith's 16-8 win over the Sea Eagles on Saturday.
Penrith scored a try through what appeared to be a possible knock on, after Panthers teammates Waqa Blake and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak both competed for a kick at the same time.
A furious Barrett claimed his side weren't given a chance to win the match, but Archer defended the bunker call and another crucial penalty against Tom Trbojevic in the ruck later in the second half.
The loss dropped the Sea Eagles to fourth on the ladder, while it kept Penrith within catching distance of the eight - at two wins back.
Elsewhere in round 18, Parramatta inched one step closer to their first finals series in eight years when they beat an Origin-depleted Melbourne 22-6 on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, despite the team being without four Origin players Sydney Roosters kept their spot in the top four with a 14-12 win over South Sydney, as captain Jake Friend set up both of their tries.
Share
