Interim Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley did not miss when criticizing the decision to disallow Brent Naden’s try in Saturday’s 36-12 loss to the Sharks.
The Tigers had a chance to make the scoreline a little less grim when Sharks forward Teig Wilton was sin-binned for a late shot on Daine Laurie.
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It looked as though they had capitalized off the penalty and one-man advantage when Naden ran through several Sharks players to score under the posts with just over 10 minutes to go.
However on-field referee Ben Cummins sent it up to the bunker to check for an obstruction.
Bunker official Gerard Sutton ruled that Tigers prop Zane Musgrove had obstructed Cronulla’s Royce Hunt.
“The Tigers player is in front of the ball, Royce Hunt has to then push around him to try to defend. The Tigers player is not entitled to be in front of the ball and in the line,” Sutton said.
Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane wasn’t too pleased, saying “oh goodness,” while Steve Roach added: “they had a free grab on him.”
Kimmorley acknowledged in his post-game press conference that the Sharks simply wanted the win more and their ruck speed “was the difference” in the game.
However he also took aim at the obstruction call, without being prompted, saying he was a “bit curious” to know what Musgrove was meant to do given he had ran through the line as part of a shape the Tigers were running.
“I’m not too sure where a front-rower is meant to go when we run some shape and he goes through the line and then gets back because the ball is behind him to get ready for the next play-the-ball,” Kimmorley said.
“Bit curious to know how he’s got to disappear from a game of football when he’s actually gone through and not ran into a defender as the first phase of the play… and then we go out the back and the ball goes backwards.
“We ask these players to get in shape for the next play-the-ball, which means he’s got to run backwards and all of a sudden you have to disappear.
“So I don’t know how that decision is awarded or adjudicated but I’d love to know how a player can disappear when he’s trying to get back on side to be a part of the next play-the-ball.
“Because if they’re not in shape I’m going to be criticizing them over why they’re not in shape.”
Originally published as ‘Love to know how a player can disappear’: Tigers coach tees off over obstruction call
Interim Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley did not miss when criticizing the decision to disallow Brent Naden’s try in Saturday’s 36-12 loss to the Sharks.
The Tigers had a chance to make the scoreline a little less grim when Sharks forward Teig Wilton was sin-binned for a late shot on Daine Laurie.
It looked as though they had capitalized off the penalty and one-man advantage when Naden ran through several Sharks players to score under the posts with just over 10 minutes to go.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
However on-field referee Ben Cummins sent it up to the bunker to check for an obstruction.
Bunker official Gerard Sutton ruled that Tigers prop Zane Musgrove had obstructed Cronulla’s Royce Hunt.
“The Tigers player is in front of the ball, Royce Hunt has to then push around him to try to defend. The Tigers player is not entitled to be in front of the ball and in the line,” Sutton said.
Dykes lands SENSATIONAL first NRL try | 00:28
Fox League commentator Dan Ginnane wasn’t too pleased, saying “oh goodness,” while Steve Roach added: “they had a free grab on him.”
Kimmorley acknowledged in his post-game press conference that the Sharks simply wanted the win more and their ruck speed “was the difference” in the game.
However he also took aim at the obstruction call, without being prompted, saying he was a “bit curious” to know what Musgrove was meant to do given he had ran through the line as part of a shape the Tigers were running.
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“I’m not too sure where a front-rower is meant to go when we run some shape and he goes through the line and then gets back because the ball is behind him to get ready for the next play-the-ball,” Kimmorley said.
“Bit curious to know how he’s got to disappear from a game of football when he’s actually gone through and not ran into a defender as the first phase of the play… and then we go out the back and the ball goes backwards.
“We ask these players to get in shape for the next play-the-ball, which means he’s got to run backwards and all of a sudden you have to disappear.
“So I don’t know how that decision is awarded or adjudicated but I’d love to know how a player can disappear when he’s trying to get back on side to be a part of the next play-the-ball.
“Because if they’re not in shape I’m going to be criticizing them over why they’re not in shape.”
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Veteran rugby league referee Ben Cummins has opened up about his infamous mistake during the 2019 NRL grand final, confessing he felt “ashamed” and “worthless” after the incident.
Scores were tied at 8-8 late in the second half of the decider between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders when Cummins called “six again” after a Raiders attacking kick came off one of their players.
Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton grabbed the ball and charged into the defensive line believing it was the first tackle of the set, but Cummins reversed his call as the tackle was being made, meaning Canberra had to hand over the Steeden.
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Moments later, Sydney fullback James Tedesco dived over to give the Roosters a 14-8 lead at Sydney Olympic Park.
It was undeniably a major turning point in the contest.
“I realized I stuffed up big time and I tried to correct the call – which would have been the right call,” Cummins said.
“But Jack Wighton didn’t see that and he got tackled and the Roosters get the ball and go down the length of the field in the next set and score.
“I realized then that this was big at eight-all in a grand finale.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
“I walked into the tunnel and cameras were all on me… my heart sunk.”
Referee Ben Cummins. Photo by Matt King/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Referee mistakes are not uncommon, and Cummins inevitably copped a tsunami of abuse from disgruntled rugby league fans for the error; even Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe joined the pile-on.
But the veteran referee, who has officiated more than 400 NRL games, has also revealed his teenage daughters were targeted after the ordeal.
“When you sign up to referee at the top level, you know that it comes with fans who are passionate, and people can say things about your performance,” he explained.
“But when it brings in your family and your home, it’s sort of to a different level. I found that really hard.
“I can’t say it was easy for them. My son was copping a lot of abuse at school and my daughters (were) online – because they are on social media. That was really tough.
“I basically locked myself in my house for a week.
“It was pretty dark times. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I had some thoughts about what I wanted to do with my life and they were pretty negative.
“You feel ashamed and worthless, embarrassed. I wasn’t sleeping. I just wanted everything to go away.”
Radio presenter Gus Worland, founder of mental health charity Gotcha4Life, spoke to Channel 9 about the importance of mental strength among Australian men after former Queensland coach Paul Green was found dead in his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, the day after his son’s ninth birthday.
“It was so sad to hear this morning about Green,” he said on Thursday evening.
“This is a line in the sand moment for us as sport and us as a nation to say, ‘Enough is enough’.
“Let’s stop talking about awareness, let’s put some action into place.
“It’s all about manning up and speaking up now, Not manning up and shutting up, which is what we’ve been told all our lives to do.
“This is an opportunity to build some emotional muscle, put you hand up if you need some help and support. That’s the bravest thing you can do.
“Why are we so good in this country at helping people, but not good at asking for help?
Veteran rugby league referee Ben Cummins has opened up about his infamous mistake during the 2019 NRL grand final, confessing he felt “ashamed” and “worthless” after the incident.
Scores were tied at 8-8 late in the second half of the decider between the Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders when Cummins called “six again” after a Raiders attacking kick came off one of their players.
Canberra five-eighth Jack Wighton grabbed the ball and charged into the defensive line believing it was the first tackle of the set, but Cummins reversed his call as the tackle was being made, meaning Canberra had to hand over the Steeden.
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Moments later, Sydney fullback James Tedesco dived over to give the Roosters a 14-8 lead at Sydney Olympic Park.
It was undeniably a major turning point in the contest.
“I realized I stuffed up big time and I tried to correct the call – which would have been the right call,” Cummins said.
“But Jack Wighton didn’t see that and he got tackled and the Roosters get the ball and go down the length of the field in the next set and score.
“I realized then that this was big at eight-all in a grand finale.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than this.
“I walked into the tunnel and cameras were all on me… my heart sunk.”
Referee mistakes are not uncommon, and Cummins inevitably copped a tsunami of abuse from disgruntled rugby league fans for the error; even Hollywood superstar Russell Crowe joined the pile-on.
But the veteran referee, who has officiated more than 400 NRL games, has also revealed his teenage daughters were targeted after the ordeal.
“When you sign up to referee at the top level, you know that it comes with fans who are passionate, and people can say things about your performance,” he explained.
“But when it brings in your family and your home, it’s sort of to a different level. I found that really hard.
“I can’t say it was easy for them. My son was copping a lot of abuse at school and my daughters (were) online – because they are on social media. That was really tough.
“I basically locked myself in my house for a week.
“It was pretty dark times. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it. I had some thoughts about what I wanted to do with my life and they were pretty negative.
“You feel ashamed and worthless, embarrassed. I wasn’t sleeping. I just wanted everything to go away.”
Cummins’ revelation comes after former Queensland coach Paul Green was found dead at his Brisbane home on Thursday morning, the day after his son’s ninth birthday. It has been confirmed he took his own life from him.
Radio presenter Gus Worland, founder of mental health charity Gotcha4Life, spoke to Channel 9 about the importance of mental strength among Australian men.
“It was so sad to hear this morning about Green,” he said on Thursday evening.
“This is a line in the sand moment for us as sport and us as a nation to say, ‘Enough is enough’.
“Let’s stop talking about awareness, let’s put some action into place.
“It’s all about manning up and speaking up now, Not manning up and shutting up, which is what we’ve been told all our lives to do.
“This is an opportunity to build some emotional muscle, put you hand up if you need some help and support. That’s the bravest thing you can do.
“Why are we so good in this country at helping people, but not good at asking for help?
The NRL Match Review Committee has come under fire for some glaring inconsistencies regarding foul play in a confounding weekend of rugby league in Round 20.
Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona escaped sanction for an elbow to the face of Warriors hooker Wayde Egan, while teammate Josh King went unpunished for a potential eye-gouge.
Meanwhile, Titans hooker Aaron Booth escaped sanction for a cannonball tackle on Raiders forward Joe Tapine, while Jared Waerea-Hargreaves got away with a fine for a similar action to Asofa-Solomona’s, on Manly rookie Zac Fulton.
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And Broncos lock Patrick Carrigan was neither sin-binned or sent off for a hip drop tackle that saw him referred directly to the Judiciary and has him facing a lengthy ban.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down the five incidents to point out the stunning inconsistency from the MRC.
NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA
Asofa-Solomona was placed on report for an elbow/forearm on Warriors hooker Wayde Egan, but was not charged by the match review committee.
The incident in the fourth minute of the Storm’s win over the Warriors saw the Asofa-Solomona come down hard on top of Egan’s jaw with his forearm and elbow.
The Warriors rake had to leave the field and there were fears such an action had the potential to result in a broken jaw.
Andrew Johns smoked at the MRC for failing to take action against Asofa-Solomona for an incident that he believed could have resulted in an on-field send-off.
“It’s laughable,” Johns said.
“I back the players all the time, but for me that’s a four-week suspension.
“Nothing for that, or even fine? That’s close to a send-off. I can’t believe it.”
Ryan Girdler accused the MRC of not taking the rules seriously in a stinging rebuke of the Asofa-Solomona decision.
“It was very avoidable as opposed to running the football rather than when you are the defender,” Girdler said on Triple M.
“We spoke about Dale Finucane and the onus needs to be on the defender and there needs to be a duty of care to the player with the ball, especially now we see so many people in tackles and technique and holding and so forth.
“That needs to be taken seriously by the players.
“But if you want to take it seriously then the match review committee need to take it seriously as well.
“Letting Nelson get off with that sends a sign out there to the players, that sort of behavior is OK and it’s not.”
It begs the question, would the Storm star, who has formed, have been suspended or even sent off had he broken Egan’s jaw?
Any player that now finds himself in a similar tackle will be bringing up this Asofa-Solomona incident as their main defense in the future and a dangerous precedent has now been set.
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Nelson Asofa-Soloma escaped sanction for an elbow on Wayde Egan.Source: Supplied
JOSH KING
Storm lock Josh King escaped sanction for a potential eye-gouge on Warriors forward Jazz Tevaga, despite being placed on report and penalized.
In fairness to King the action may have been accidental, but it came just a week after Bulldogs enforcer Corey Waddell copped a five week suspension for coming into contact with the eyes of Titans skipper Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
In Waddell’s case there was no genuine proof of a gouging action, but he copped a monster ban for coming into contact with the eyes of an opponent.
Gorden Tallis and Greg Alexander believed that King would be in trouble, given the harsh reaction to the Waddell incident, even if it was incidental contact.
“I think it is minimal contact, but you can’t make contact with the eyes,” Tallis said.
“I don’t like it. Don’t go near the eyes.”
“Corey Waddell got five weeks for not even gouging someone,” Alexander added.
“In slow motion it doesn’t look good. His hand went over the top of the face and got somewhere in the eye vicinity so he could be in trouble.
King could have been given the opportunity to protest his innocence at the judiciary and may well have proven it, but the decision not to charge him a week after giving Waddell five weeks on the sidelines smacks of inconsistency.
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King eye gouge raises questions! | 00:41
AARON BOOTH
Titans hooker Aaron Booth went unpunished by the MRC for a potential cannonball tackle on Raiders forward Joe Tapine.
The incident in the 32nd minute of the Titans 36-24 loss to the Raiders saw two Gold Coast players tackling Tapine before Booth came in late down around his legs from behind in a cannonball style tackle.
Tapine took issue with the tackle and the pair got into a scuffle, which resulted in the Raiders star being sent to the sin bin.
On his way to the sin bin Tapine questioned the tackle to the referee but Ben Cummins said the tackle was cleared.
The cannonball tackle is up there with the hip drop as one of the most dangerous tackles on a rugby league field for its ability to cause serious injury.
“Joe Tapine must have felt what he thought was a cannonball as Aaron Booth comes in right at the knees,” Matt Russell said.
Aaron Booth tackles Joe Tapine.Source: FOX SPORTS
“You have got to be above the knees. Quads or higher.”
While Booth may have initially hit Tapine on the hamstrings, the speed and force at which he came into the tackle from behind as the third man in, had the potential to cause Tapine a serious injury, which is why he was so angry.
Gorden Tallis told Triple M that he didn’t think Patrick Carrigan’s tackle “was as bad as some that I’ve seen this year” and brought up the Booth incident.
“So Aaron Booth, I have spears into the back (of Joe Tapine). Which one is worse in your eyes?,” he asked.
“I can’t believe he didn’t get reported,” Ben Dobbin said.
“It wasn’t even a penalty,” James Hooper added.
“Probably the one from the Titans game, it seemed to have more intent in the tackle,” James Graham added.
If the MRC are serious about stamping it out of the game, Booth should have at least been charged and given the opportunity to defend himself at the judiciary.
Failing to charge these incidents gives the players no deterrent to stop employing the cannonball tackle if they think they can get away with it on a technicality.
Tapine binned for punching Titan | 00:23
PATRICK CARRIGAN
Broncos lock Patrick Carrigan is facing a lengthy suspension for his hip-drop tackle on Jackson Hastings after being referred directly to the judiciary.
Carrigan deserves to be suspended for the ugly tackle that broke Hastings’ leg and ruled him out for the season.
However, if the incident was deemed serious enough to refer Carrigan straight to the judiciary, why was he not sin-binned or sent off?
Nathan Cleary coped with a five week suspension after being sent off for an ugly lifting tackle on Dylan Brown.
If Carrigan is looking at a similar ban, the Tigers should have got the on-field advantage of having the Broncos reduced to 12 men for 10 minutes at least.
James Hooper believes Carrigan will miss the remainder of the regular season with a five week ban.
Patrick Carrigan’s hip-drop tackle.Source: Supplied
“In all likelihood the fact he’s been referred… I think Pat Carrigan is rubbed out for the rest of the season and he’s back for September,” Hooper said.
If Carrigan cops a five game ban, it is confounding how he wasn’t sent off for the tackle or at the very least sin-binned.
On the other hand Gorden Tallis questioned why Carrigan is potentially meeting the same fate as Waddell who is out for five weeks due to an eye-gouge.
“If you tell me that tackle is as bad as an eye gouge… if someone has their fingers around your eyes I’d bite their fingers off,” Tallis said.
It raised the question of Hastings’ injury playing a part in the punishment, which comes back to Asofa-Solomona potentially facing a ban had he broken Egan’s jaw.
Carrigan’s hip drop injuries Hastings | 01:01
JARED WAEREA-HAGREAVES
The Roosters enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves escaped with a fine for an early guilty plea after being charged by the match review committee for a similar incident to Asofa-Solomona’s.
The Roosters star was penalized and placed on report for an elbow to the face of Manly rookie Zac Fulton while he was on the ground.
Waerea-Hargreaves’ punishment brings up two questions. Why was he not banned because a small fine is not a deterrent for these actions?
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves escaped with a fine.Source: Getty Images
And given Asofa-Solomona’s incident is widely considered to be much worse than the Roosters star’s actions, why wasn’t the Storm forward charged by the MRC?
Referee Grant Atkins labeled Waerea-Hargreaves actions unacceptable.
“Jared can’t do what he did, that is unacceptable, that is why it is against you,” Atkins said.
But how can an unacceptable action on a rugby league field receive only a small $3000 fine.
Coupled with the Asofa-Soloma incident, a small fine for Waerea-Hargreaves and no punishment at all for the Storm forward offers no deterrent whatsoever for players who employ these grubby tactics.
