Canterbury coach Des Hasler has given his support to under-fire Sydney Roosters mentor Trent Robinson, labelling the NRL bunker inconsistent.
While careful not to wade into criticism of the whistleblowers following Robinson's $40,000 fine for his post-Anzac Day match comments, Hasler said some of the decisions made by the $2 million central video refereeing system had left fans, players and coaches confused.
"You talk about the word inconsistent," Hasler said. "The technology is there, the interpretation is probably the biggest issue and that's all I'm going to say about that."
Robinson let fly at match officials following Sunday's 20-18 loss to St George Illawarra, saying the bunker's decision to intervene and penalise Dylan Napa for a high shot on Taane Milne had cost his side a chance to compete for a win.
The subject of when the video refs can intervene and instruct the on-field officials is set to be a big talking point at the biannual coaches' conference between the clubs and the game's administrators next week.
Hasler was careful with his words when asked if Robinson's criticism was warranted, having last year copped a $20,000 fine for his infamous "Voldemorts" spray.
"Coming from one that's been down that track, it's best I don't comment," Hasler said.
"The rules are the rules, as I found out."
Meanwhile, Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said the NRL officialdom's problems went further than the bunker with some interpretations from the on-field referees needing refining.
However, he has had a sly dig at Robinson, whose side are last after injuries and suspensions to key players have led to them dropping to last on the ladder after eight rounds.
"I honestly don't believe it's just the bunker," Stuart said.
"There's interpretations on the field that need changing. I believe referees have got to be harder on certain parts of the game that they're not interpreting at the moment.
"There's a number of coaches out there at moment finding that when they haven't got four or five marquee players in their squad, that coaching's a hard gig."
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